Proposed NC ban to include many reptiles

[NajaAnja]

Click here to read the proposed NC Bill in its entirety (http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2005/Bills/Senate/HTML/S1032v0.html)

Here is the list of what they are planning to include, you can view the bill in its entirety at the link above.


(1.) Class Mammalia
a. Order Carnivora
1. Family Felidae (lions, tigers, leopards, ocelots, servals, etc.) – all species except domestic cats.
2. Family Canidae (wolves, foxes, jackals, etc.) – all species except domestic dogs and indigenous foxes.
3. Family Ursidae (bears) – all species except black bears.
4. Family Viverridae (only binturongs).
5. Family Procyonidae (only kinkajous and coatis).
6. Family Hyaenidae (hyenas, etc.) – all species.
b. Order Marsupialia – only kangaroos.
c. Order Perissodactyla – only rhinoceroses.
d. Order Primates (lemurs, monkeys, chimpanzees, gorillas) – all species.
e. Order Proboscidae (elephants, etc.) – all species.
f. Order Rodentia – only prairie dogs and Gambian rats.
(2)Class Reptilia
a. Order Squamata
1. Family Varanidae – only water monitors and crocodile monitors.
2. Family Boidae – all species whose adult length has the potential to exceed eight feet in length.
3. Family Colubridae – only boomslangs and African twig snakes.
4. Family Elapidae (cobras, mambas, etc.) – all species.
5. Family Nactricidae – only keelback snakes.
6. Family Viperidae (vipers) – only nonindigenous species.
7. Family Helodermatidae (beaded lizards, Gila monsters, etc.) – all species.
8. Family Hydrophiidae (sea snakes, etc.) – all species.
9. Family Atractaspidae (mole vipers, etc.) – all species.
b. Order Crocodilia (crocodiles, alligators, caimans, gavials, etc.) – all species.
The Department may declare any additional species, families, or classes of wild animals not specifically listed in G.S. 19A‑71(c) to be an inherently dangerous animal for the purposes of this Article if the animal meets the definition set forth in this subsection.
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Here are the NC Representatives contact info, lets try and get some nice letters (no hate mail, etc) going in rebuttal. There is already a campaign started over at TRR http://thereptileroom.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=2129

Senators/Phone/Fax/Rank

Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) 202-224-6342 202-224-1100 JR

John Edwards (D-NC) 202-224-3154 202-228-1374 SR



Congressmen/Phone/Fax/District

Frank W. Ballance, Jr. (D-NC) 202-225-3101 202-225-3354 01

Cass Ballenger (R-NC) 202-225-2576 202-225-0316 10

Richard Burr (R-NC) 202-225-2071 202-225-2995 05

Howard Coble (R-NC) 202-225-3065 202-225-8611 06

Bobby Etheridge (D-NC) 202-225-4531 202-225-5662 02

Robert (Robin) Hayes (R-NC) 202-225-3715 202-225-4036 08

Walter B. Jones, Jr. (R-NC) 202-225-3415 202-225-3286 03

Mike McIntyre (D-NC) 202-225-2731 202-225-5773 07

Brad Miller (D-NC) 202-225-3032 202-225-5746 13

Sue Myrick (R-NC) 202-225-1976 202-225-3389 09

David E. Price (D-NC) 202-225-1784 202-225-2014 04

Charles H. Taylor (R-NC) 202-225-6401 202-226-6422 11

Melvin L. Watt (D-NC) 202-225-1510 202-225-1512 12




Scott Bice has also started (still editing now)a form letter than can be sent for those that dont write letters and it can be found in that thread as well. I finished letter will be posted.

Thanks for your time. You all know your state could be next.

Anja

[Mustangrde1]

This is a copy of the letter I sent off. ANY ONE is welcome to copy it and send it as well. please remember you must sign your name to it,

In regards to: SENATE DRS65248-LLf-79 (2/24)
Short Title: Protection of Inherently Dangerous Animals.

I find that this bill will detract from the ability for vendors of the listed species to sell them and thus reduce profits for their business. Also it will detract from the legal keeping of the listed species and create an underground black market for the species. As such I could not endorse such a bill.

Just in the wording of what is considered “Inherently Dangerous Animals” The facts do not support the wording of this bill. Below are some facts as cited by “The Center for Disease Control {CDC}.” Dogs and Cat cause more harm to humans and wildlife annually then any of the animals you have listed. The statistics show more Fatalities caused annually by animals we consider “DOMESTIC” such as Dogs and Horse’s. The common house cat cause more damage to the natural environment throughout the WORLD by their predatory instinct then any of the animals you again have listed.

With this information so readily available for any accredited scientific organization or agency and the public and with the health and well being of the general public I find the laws you are attempting to enact to be NOT based on credible scientific information. Just dogs alone, According to the CDC
In 1994, the most recent year for which published data are available, an estimated 4.7 million dog bites occurred in the United States, and approximately 799,700 persons required medical care (1). Of an estimated 333,700 patients treated for dog bites in emergency departments (EDs) in 1994 (2), approximately 6,000 (1.8%) were hospitalized (3). To estimate the number of nonfatal dog bite--related injuries treated in U.S. hospital EDs, CDC analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP). This report summarizes the results of the analysis, which indicate that in 2001, an estimated 368,245 persons were treated in U.S. hospital EDs for nonfatal dog bite--related injuries. Injury rates were highest among children aged 5--9 years. To reduce the number of dog bite--related injuries, adults and children should be educated about bite prevention, and persons with canine pets should practice responsible pet ownership

Horses as Cited again by the CDC,
The most common cause of death and serious injury in all
riders is head injury; the percentage of these injuries
causing death and serious injury is higher in young riders.3,6
Cost of Injury
The cost of horse-related injuries among children and adults
younger than 25 years seen in emergency departments in
1996 is estimated at over $88 million. The average cost per
injury is estimated at $7,411.6
National Injury Estimates

In 1996, 25,446 emergency department visits were made by
individuals in the U.S. younger than 25 years as a result of
horse-related injuries.7 The most common types of horse related
injury treated in emergency departments in 1996 to
individuals in the U.S. younger than 25 years included
contusions, fractures, and strains.7
In 1996, emergency department visits by individuals in the
U.S. younger than 25 years involved in horse-related
injuries involved head/neck (25%), upper body (55%), and
lower body (20%).8

Common house cats are known to hunt for pleasure and thus pose a far greater concern to natural wildlife then any of the animals you have listed as dangerous. There are numerous scientific papers and research to prove this.

After doing some web searches I found there is over 1000 reptile related pet dealers in North Carolina. The proposed bill would have an effect on their business and also create less revenue to North Carolina and the dealers of the species listed.

Something to think about is reptiles for instance. You do not have just the animal to consider in the monetary reduction of profit but also the dry goods that would be sold to properly house and care for each species along with the food for them. This easily relates in to the hundreds of dollars or more per year per animal.

A boa Constrictor of 6 feet requires approximately an enclosure of at least 6 feet long 18 inches high and 3 feet deep. Most commercial produced cages in this size cost around $400.00 then add in for a heat light of $12.00 substrate for them of $10.00 changed every 2 weeks a water bowl $5.00 and prey for a year at $300.00 a year and you $727.00 in the first year alone. That is a very basic set-up and requirements and estimated values and cost. Not even including the cost of the animal which can vary from $50.00 to several Thousands of dollars. This is money that will be lost to North Carolina and the vendors who deal in these animals.

The same will apply to venomous reptiles as well as Monitor lizards each can vary in price but generally will be close in price to the above listed.Of course the cost in large Mammals will be dramatically higher.

It would be more advantageous for the State to enact a permitting and training system such as is already in place and has been working for numerous years in The State of Florida.

The Florida Permitting system insures that persons wishing to own/posses wildlife are properly trained and licensed by the state. http://myfwc.com/permits/ This is the link to the Florida Permits as you will see they cover EVERY species you list and then some.

This type of system works and is proven! It would not be difficult at all for you to enact such a system and thus encouraging proper husbandry and education. The alternative is many people will keep these animals illegally thus creating problems for the state.

Obviously the benefits of a proper permitting system and allowing for the continued sales of these species, is a win/win situation for State of North Carolina and the private collectors. The state generates increased revenue in sales and permits and the collectors become better educated and are able to keep the animals with a permit that they wish.

North Carolina would benefit from such a system as the State would generate money from the cost of the permits and insure proper health and safety of the keepers of listed animals and the animals themselves.

Thank you for your time in reading this.
Sincerely

[redcarpet]

Scott,I think you would have to ask yourself how many people in the U.S. own dogs,cats and horses?Then how many own Big cats,and Venomous reptiles?I see your point but you would have to justify what I wrote above.I think that is what they are looking at.
It sounds like they have a Permitting system from what it said.I think they are just trying to tighting it up.Next they will try to outlaw these animal altogether.I think the part (19A‑76. Spaying or neutering) is stupid.
I don't think pythons over 8ft should be sold to someone without a permit.Do you know how many people buy a cute little baby Burm or retic thinking it will stay small?This is mostly pet shops selling these snakes to unknowing customers.In a perfect world we would have the perfect permit system and people would think before they buy, but they don't.I feel if you want to possess these animal you shouldn't have a problem with meeting the requirements of your state.

LET ME SAY THAT I DO NOT SUPPORT THIS PROPOSED BILL!

[Mustangrde1]

A person may not own, possess, keep, harbor, bring into the State, act as a custodian of, or have custody or control of, an inherently dangerous animal unless that person holds a personal possession permit for that animal issued by the Department. A person may obtain a personal possession permit for an inherently dangerous animal only if the following requirements are met:

(1) The person was in legal possession of the inherently dangerous animal prior to January 1, 2006, and is the legal possessor of the inherently dangerous animal.

(2) The person applies for and is granted a personal possession permit for each inherently dangerous animal in the person's possession by March 31, 2006.

IN OTHER WORDS THAT IS A GRANDFATHER CLAUSE. BUT what about future keepers?

I see no provision for how to obtain the permit after the dates! Like some states that do have the permit do you think it will be obtainable? My bet would be no. Sure you can do everything they require for one, but will they give it?

As to Boides over 8 feet. There is an incredably large number that can and will obtain that length. Thus they would be outlawed.

As to reptile ownership http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ceah/cei/EmergingAnimalHealthIssues_files/reptile.pdf enjoy the 42 page report. The numbers are very high. Finally though big felines and other exotic mammals are low in respect to "domestic animals" taking a percapita number in to account the injury to owner rate is still lower than vs domestics.

[redcarpet]

Thanks for clarifying the permit issue for me.

(b) Persons who meet the requirements of subsection (a) of this section shall annually obtain a personal possession permit. From and after January 1, 2006, no new inherently dangerous animal shall be brought into possession under authority of a personal possession permit.

[redcarpet]

This is a e-mail about this bill.

I appreciate your e-mail. Senate Bill 1032 is still under development. I am working with the appropriate state agencies to ensure it meets the needs of animal owners and protects public safety. The bill currently contains provisions to allow owners of animals regulated by the bill to obtain permits. The final version will also have such language.

Your concerns will be taken into consideration. Thank you for your interest and comments.

Senator John Garwood

[evil11]

my friend sherri got a reply e-mail. it says you have to get these animals sterilized. no vets practice fixing reptiles it would be a death sentence to the reptile. she is checking to see if this is even legal. maybe they are hoping it will kill all the snakes.this just makes me sick.


Dear Ms. Vernon:

Thank you for your e-mail concerning Senate Bill 1032, Protection of Inherently Dangerous Animals, introduced by Senator Garwood. The bill as currently written would classify the following types of reptile, or any hybrids based on one of these species, as 'inherently dangerous' and regulate their possession:



1.. Family Varanidae - only water monitors and crocodile monitors.
2.. Family Boidae - all species whose adult length has the potential to exceed eight feet in length.
3.. Family Colubridae - only boomslangs and African twig snakes.
4.. Family Elapidae (cobras, mambas, etc.) - all species.
5.. Family Nactricidae - only keelback snakes.
6.. Family Viperidae (vipers) - only nonindigenous species.
7.. Family Helodermatidae (beaded lizards, Gila monsters, etc.) - all species.
8.. Family Hydrophiidae (sea snakes, etc.) - all species.
9.. Family Atractaspidae (mole vipers, etc.) - all species.


Senate Bill 1032 would allow for people who own an animal listed in the bill to apply for an annual ownership license from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The bill would require additionally caging and environmental requirements, and all licensed animals would have to be sterilized. The breeding and sale of 'inherently dangerous animals' would be illegal.

We ask that you also share your concerns with your representatives in the General Assembly as they discuss the matter. You may reach them at www.ncleg.net.

Thank you,

Mickey Fanney
Office of the Governor
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