Texas to introduce new law restricting non-native snakes

[luker3232]

"Robert L. Trimble" wrote:
Mr. Poteete:

Your inquiry to the Texas Humane Legislation Network has been forwarded to me for reply. I think you have misread the bill. This bill does not prohibit the ownership of any of these reptiles, it simply provides for the Texas Parks & Wildlife to ensure the proper housing and care of these reptiles by a permitting process. I'm sure you would agree that there are many well-meaning people who are not qualified to care for these reptiles and there should be a permitting process to make certain that those who keep them are qualified and do so in a proper manner. Also, I assume you would agree that the improper housing or handling of these animals could be a danger to other people and their pets. There's a hearing on this bill on Tuesday, March 20th, at the Capitol. I think it would be appropriate for you to attend and express your views to Mr. Hilderbran who introduced this bill and satisfy your concerns that this would not in any way prohibit ownership of these creatures. I'm certain Mr. Hilderbran will appreciate your comments.
Robert L. "Skip" Trimble
8333 Douglas Avenue, Suite 1350
Dallas, Texas 75225
Tel: (214) 855-2960
Fax: (214) 855-8858
Email: skip@catlyn.net

[luker3232]

Yes I have read and completely understood the bill and I have contacted Many people on this affair, including Mr. Hilderbran. If you would Like to read more into my views as well as my fellow Herpetolgists please take a look into Redtailboa.net.

The act of a "Permit" for these animals would be an extraordinary blow to the population of endangered species and other "non- endangered".

As you may or may not know, The Burmese Python ,a very large constictor, is no longer found in the wild. Only in captivity do these animals thrive.

[luker3232]

ttt

[luker3232]

*sigh* I was ganged uip on by every one i emailed they are all for it..

argueing with the government is like peeing into the wind, its a lose/lose situation

[Aaron_NSBM]

Originally Posted by luker3232

This is referring to the opposing to your pending legislation, HB 1309. I, as many other snake/reptile keepers feel that our rights to keep ANY reptile indigenous or NOT should be without restraint or dictated by law. These animals are kept for the purposes of reptile education, hobbyists, and/or businesses.
This pending bill (HB 1309) would prohibit any of the above and limit the education and well-being of these animals. I, as many others rescue animals in need including large constrictors. Would you like to limit the lives of an animal in need of a home?
These animals are magnificent creatures who are being restricted by lack of education. What this bill is insisting is to limit the education more so.
Many species of constrictors such as the Ball Python or Royal Python (Python Regius) are mostly bred in the United States, These are excellent snakes for peoples of all ages. I, as many others can not understand why you would want to cause corruption of a very interesting creature.
I house numerous types of reptiles including: Boa constrictors, Pythons, Colubrids, Monitors, and Lizards as a hobbyist and personally do not understand why you would want to limit the education on these amazing creatures. I personally do not keep venomous snakes but I do however know many hobbyists who do. Some of which are very important to this conservation of snakes.
Many generations before you and I were born have made the reptile population decrease but in the past decades these populations have doubled and some even tripled, Are you suggesting that the animals in need of a home that are denied in shelters, simply because they are snakes, die?
I hope what I have said will change your mind of the well being of these magnificent creatures.
Luke Poteete
2209 McKean, Houston TX 77080
Harris county

I would also bring up the fact of how much business the big shows bring into the state and the money that comes in..with this law it will take money out of the state....just an idea...

[luker3232]

great idea but im put up with these guys

[VoodooChile]

Originally Posted by luker3232

, The Burmese Python ,a very large constictor, is no longer found in the wild. Only in captivity do these animals thrive.

Sure they are!! Just visit Florida!
Seriously it is a permit system and not a prohibition of the exotics, and the only thing they have going is encouraging the fear of the snakes injuring someone.
People are going to keep these snakes illegally, its just the way of it, which does nothing but hurt the hobby and the animals, because while the animals may have been kept properly at the owner's house odds are the animal shelter will NOT keep them properly when they are seized, and there are not enough reptile rescues to house these animals.
I think the best argument against the lawmakers is the financial recourse of the permits..