ACTION ALERT: Pennsylvania “Animal Act” ban
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 928 is yet another “Traveling Animal Act” ban. This one has some new language and it even impacts domesticated animals in addition to the usual “exotic” animals. Exotic in this bill means any species not native to the United States and any non-domesticated species. We explain it all at the link below.
LINK: www.usark.org/2019-blog/alert-pa-sb928/
ACTION ALERT: Natchez, MS (all animals)
Natchez is overhauling its animal ordinance. All local animal owners need to review the proposal and contact city officials as this proposal affects all animals. The proposal has a blanket ban on all “exotic” animals and also common livestock. Only dogs, cats, and pot-bellied pigs will be allowed. There are also new permits, limits, and regulations for dogs and cats. Full details can be found at the link below.
LINK: www.usark.org/2019-blog/alert-natchez-ms/
ACTION ALERT: Utah herp regulation changes
The Division of Wildlife Resources of the Utah Department of Natural Resources has issued proposed changes to the State’s wildlife regulations regarding reptiles and amphibians (herps). While we do not believe the problems created with the proposal are intentional, the Division should edit their amendments to avoid unintended consequences while also clarifying and better organizing the new regulations.
The deadline to comment is 5:00 PM on October 31. Find full details at the link below.
LINK: www.usark.org/2019-blog/alert-utah-regs-2019/
UPDATE: West Virginia
Thanks to an outpouring of opposition and education, the WV DWA Board has withdrawn the proposed amendments to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act from consideration. Thank you to all of those who supported our efforts to stop these additions to the State’s Dangerous Wild Animal list.
Previous Action Alert at www.usark.org/2019-blog/action-alert-west-virginia-reptile-ban/.
Branson, Missouri is discussing amendments to its animal ordinance. Changes include a sweeping ban on “exotic” animals (with a vague and broad definition which could be enforced upon any species not widely considered domesticated) and a pet limit for dogs and cats of four total animals.
ACTION ALERT: Eureka, CA
The city of Eureka, CA is completely overhauling its animal ordinance. Local citizens should attend future hearings and work with their Council members to ward off overreaching measures. They are discussing pet limits and species restrictions.
LINK: www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/posts/2449010885180850.
ACTION ALERT: Los Angeles “Animal Performance” Ban
Los Angeles has proposed an overreaching ordinance to regulate the exhibition of “dangerous animals” and “wild and exotic animals.” The draft language is comprised of vague definitions and heavy-handed regulation lacking forethought, which would have far-reaching consequences if enacted.
LINK: www.usark.org/2019-blog/la-ordinance-2019/.
Facebook link: www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/a.398227663592526/2375087185906554/?type=3&theater.
This proposal takes many reptile and other species currently heavily regulated as “wild animals” by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and reclassifies them as “animals dangerous to health or welfare” under New York State Code Title 6. It also adds a few species (mainly mammals).
Get full details at the link below.
LINK: www.usark.org/2019-blog/ny-dec-2019/
ACTION ALERT: federal bills HR2863 and S2121, or TEAPSPA
HR2863 and S2121 have been introduced as the “Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act’’ (or TEAPSPA). These bills are broad-sweeping bans on “traveling animal acts” authored by radical animal rights groups. While being pitched in a misleading manner by animal rights extremists, this is a ban on animal outreach programs and any presentation with most animals. Programs at schools, libraries, Scout troops, and more will all be banned.
Know that this bill and its introduction were written by a radical animal rights group and not by a member of Congress. The bills introduction texts are littered with misinformation and falsehoods. It was clearly written to mislead the reader about exactly who this will impact. Take action now! All details can be found at the links below.
LINK: www.usark.org/2019-blog/federal-teapspa/
Facebook post link: www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/a.398227663592526/2242575855824355/?type=3&theater
Donate to the USARK Legal Defense Fund
Information for making donations online and via check/money order can be found at www.usark.org/reptile-defense-fund-2/. You can make one-time, weekly, monthly or annual donations. You can also include a message that will be posted on the Legal Defense Fund Donor Wall at www.usark.org/usark-announcement/reptile-defense-donor-wall/ for all to see. You can even choose to make your donation or donation amount anonymous. Thanks for your support as we constantly battle legislation against responsible reptile and amphibian keeping. USARK is not possible without your donations.
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