Subject:
Rumors of Ban on reptile keeping in Florida.
There has been an influx of people writing me and calling me I regards to a potential ban on the keeping of reptiles in the state of Florida.
Currently there is no such Bill or measure for the Ban on keeping of exotic or venomous reptiles in this state. These rumors appear to be based around the comments in the Sun Sentinel news paper where County Commissioner Mary McCarty said in an interview and I quote.
“Commissioner Mary McCarty proposed prohibiting the sale of pythons and iguanas by pet store owners.
"Both of these species are not native, and when they get huge, pet owners find that they are a problem to continue to take care of. They're letting them out in the wild, and the pythons are wreaking havoc in the Everglades," she said. "It is really starting to destroy the species out in the Everglades."
At least the iguanas aren't killing other creatures, McCarty said. "The iguanas are vegetarians, thank God."
McCarty said her proposed ban would make the county a leader in the state, where concern has been growing over nonnative species spreading in South Florida. The region doesn't have the cold weather that kills off invaders elsewhere.”
These are the comments of one county commissioner from West Palm Beach and NOT the unanimous consensus from other county commissioners.
There is an ongoing Captive Wildlife technical assistance group conducting meetings in the state and has been for almost a year now regarding potential new changes to the keeping of exotic animals in the state.
You can view the History and meeting minutes at this website.
http://www.myfwc.com/captive/captivewildlifeTag.html
As you will see in reading these Minutes and History the person involved are in no way asking to BAN anything but completely opposite. They are looking to protect the freedom to keep and own these animals by permit. Of course with a permit come requirements which you will note being discussed in the meeting minutes.
There was also a recent Florida House Bill that was defeated in it no place was the Word “BAN” used!
I spoke with Eugene Bessette after numerous calls and e-mails regarding this subject. Eugene is one of our voices at this meeting and a man in my opinion that deserves our thanks and highest accolades for his efforts on our behalf. Eugene has given me permission to post his E-mail address. Please anyone with questions or concerns Email him at
Ebessette1@bellsouth.net State your questions or concerns with your full name and phone number so he can return the contact. You may also contact me at
Mustangride1@aol.com and I will try to assist you as best I can. Eugene should however be your primary contact.
There is an Online Forum that is kept as current as possible at
http://thereptileroom.org/forum/index.php?showforum=125 regarding the meeting minutes and some discussion.
Thank you all for your concern
Scott Bice
Linear Mode
