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Oppose Reptile Ban

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Honorable Commissioners,
 
I am a Florida resident/stakeholder and share a deep concern for the best interests of Florida small business
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, ecology and wildlife. I would like to commend the outstanding efforts of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to address the issues of non-native wildlife. The recent implementation of the Reptiles of Concern (ROC) regulation has provided a sound methodology that will continue to improve the overall situation over time. As education about this new program continues, compliance will increase. The python removal program is a commendable way to address an issue others have been unwilling to address. As a responsible member of the reptile community I look forward to working with FWC to allow these innovative policies to have real and lasting impact on Florida. 
 
The ROC regulation is a well thought out recommendation by the Captive Wildlife Technical Advisory Group and establishes professional standards in regards to working with the animals covered. Permits with experience requirements, secure caging standards, disaster plans and inspections underscore the professionalism required by the state of Florida to responsibly work with Reptiles of Concern.  More amnesty days and more public exposure to the policy will bring even more into compliance. With all of the time, money and effort that has gone into the creation and implementation of the ROC regulation it would seem a waste not to give it a chance to reap results. It is important to remember that critics of FWC’s ROC statute have a decided ideological opposition to any reptiles in captivity and seek to exploit a tragedy to further their own agenda.
 
In addition, I support FWC taking a proactive role in addressing the feral population of Burmese pythons in the Everglades. I agree with FWC, if there is going to be any long term impact on populations in south Florida the pythons must be removed systematically. This removal process should be professional, aggressive, consistent and continuous. Animals should be dealt with humanely and with the respect they deserve. Please continue the removal into the fall breeding season when they are most active and visible.
 
I cannot support any changes to the ROC statutes that would supersede all the good work done to date by FWC. The reptile community has worked long and hard with the state to find effective ways to ensure compliance in working with ROC’s. The regulation is sound policy. It is working and I believe that this process should be given a chance to continue to work. An all out ban would only exacerbate the problem and create others. The FWC has a good history of working with stakeholders to address issues. I hope this tradition will continue. Thank you for your consideration.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
 
cc: Governor Charlie Crist

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