ALERT: Florida FWC Commission Meeting
The next FWC Commission meeting is December 16-17. This is a virtual (online) meeting and while not in-person, it is still a live, public meeting. On Thursday, Dec. 17th, two agenda items are significant to herpetoculturists. You may easily join the meeting and speak to the Commissioners by clicking “Live Video Conference” at the link below. The public may speak on any agenda item open to public comment.
Read the full alert and important information posted by USARK FL at https://www.usarkfl.org/post/2020_fwc_dec.
ACTION ALERT: Michigan
The full alert and more information can be found at https://usark.org/2020-mi-alert/.
A “dangerous reptile” bill was introduced on December 1, 2020. House Bill 6455 (HB6455) is sponsored by Representative Jim Ellison and was referred to the House Agriculture Committee. We have alerts already posted on our website (link above) and Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/a.398227663592526/3507352896013305/.
HB6455 would classify certain reptiles (list at https://usark.org/2020-mi-alert/) as “dangerous reptiles.” The bill bans future ownership and breeding of these reptiles (except for a few exceptions including AZA zoos). It does allow a form of grandfathering (at great expense) if you can prove ownership prior to the effective date, register animals, purchase liability insurance (which will cost hundreds to thousands annually), and comply with the stipulations included in the bill (PIT tags, inventory, caging requirements, signage, etc.). Even if meeting the grandfather requirements, it still bans future ownership and breeding.
There are common-sense and more effective alternatives to bans. Please read our full alert and messaging to fully understand the issue. This goes beyond a ban on the listed venomous snakes, crocodilians, and monitors. This a foot in the door to more and broader bans.
Crocodile Conservation
Big congratulations to CrocFest for raising another $45,000 for crocodile conservation at the fundraiser last weekend!
Get full details at www.CrocFest.org.
CrocFest Facebook page: www.facebook.com/crocfests
Find A Vet
