ALERT: Oak Grove, Kentucky
Oak Grove has proposed a blanket ban on all “exotic animals.” Council Member Leavell stated the ban will include, “Anything that could be considered exotic.” This would be a ban on herps, birds, mammals, and maybe even some fish. Essentially, this would be an open door for fines or seizures of any animal that is not a dog, cat, or within the City’s definition of “livestock.”
An ordinance reading and vote will occur on Facebook Live at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5.
Get full details, sample messaging, and more at www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/a.2656047597810510/2897432030338731.
Pennsylvania Alert
House Bill 2450 (HB2450) was introduced on April 27 and amends (changes) Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The main scope of the bill is to redefine “exotic wildlife.” This bill actually removes several species from the current exotic wildlife designation meaning some species which are currently wrongfully banned will be legal to keep. This bill applies to mammals and birds only. See the link below for information.
Get full details at www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/a.2656047597810510/2890563311025603.
Arkansas Update
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) had its first reading of the proposed captive wildlife regulations. A new public comment period is now open. The Commission is expected to vote on these regulations at its May 21 meeting. Additional comments to each proposal can be made at https://apps.agfc.com/regulations/out-for-comment/.
Get more details at www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/posts/2888310364584231.
More on Arkansas
As a very quick review, this overhaul of the Arkansas captive wildlife regulations began back in mid-2018. There are many issues with the current regulations and this proposal does resolve some problems but there are still troubles with the proposal. We appreciate the members of AGFC staff who have taken the time to listen and those who understand the factual information provided by dedicated stakeholders and USARK. Hopefully, we can see more collaboration rather than bans.
Essentially, AGFC is creating a three-tier system (three lists of species):
1. unrestricted list: exempt from Codes 09.02 (Possession Of Non-Native Wildlife In Captivity Restricted), 09.07 (Wildlife Breeder/Dealer Permit Required), and 09.10 (Wildlife Importation Permit Required)
2. permitted list: Permits for breeding, sale, and importation may be issued for the following species in accordance with Codes 09.07 (Wildlife Breeder/Dealer Permit Required) and 09.10 (Wildlife Importation Permit Required). This list also includes venomous and there is a new Venomous Reptile Possession Permit (F1.08 on pages 149-151 of the linked document).
3. prohibited list: The Commission will not issue permits for breeding, sale, or importation of the following species other than in accordance with the exceptions listed in Codes 09.07, 09.10, 09.11 and Addendum F1.03 (possession of some species may be allowed in accordance with Codes 09.02, 09.05, 09.13, and 09.14)
Rattlesnake Conservation Fundraiser
The Rattlesnake Conservancy (www.savethebuzztails.org) is holding a charity auction with proceeds benefitting rattlesnake conservation! The group recently announced plans for a new facility which will educate visitors about rattlesnakes and their importance in our world.
The auction will run for two weeks, ending on May 15th at 8:00 PM EST. In addition to the auction, you can support by donating or buying a commemorative 2020 Get Buzzed for Buzztails pint glass for only $20 shipped.
Join the group and bid at www.facebook.com/groups/351759402446410.
Find A Vet
