Venomous Snakes Seized in TEXAS

[Mustangrde1]

http://www.nbc5i.com/community/3407599/detail.html

This story actually was on CNN last night just before the Reagan Funeral. I saw it and from what was shown it was a collection of Rattlers and a big Burm. Unfortunately this is exactly the type of press that does put the hobby in a negative spotlight. We are keeping animals many people fear.

A good example is the word SHARK if most hear it a since of fear arises deep inside. The same can and often is said of the word SNAKE. It would be in our best interest to obey the laws and educate when possible the general public.

Once a law is written it is very hard to change it but it can be done. It has to be done with support from all of us in the reptile community. However this is a problem I see all to often in our hobby. The "it doesn't effect me or my animal" syndrome. All reptiles and keepers are effected by laws created by people who react on misinformation or emotional fear.

Keepers having animals prohibited by law are a danger to the rest of us. While I can sympathize with them I cannot condone them or their actions when it can and will effect the rest of the hobby.

If you truly love the animals and the hobby as a whole you will obey and work to change foolish laws. It is our responsibility to stand together and fight together to stop these types of laws from occurring.

[jaybee]

Unfortunately this is exactly the type of press that does put the hobby in a negative spotlight.

Scott, Please don't take this the wrong way.If we don't want the media to put this in the spotlight,then why in the world would you put this on the forums for 1,000's of web surfers to read,that would other wise never hear about this matter?Sorry, it just doesn't make any since.I feel the less said the better for our hobby,but thats just me.

Once a law is written it is very hard to change it but it can be done. It has to be done with support from all of us in the reptile community

I was also wondering what laws you were instrumental in changing?Please tell us.

Thank you for your time and hope to hear from you soon.

Jason

[Dr. Bryan Fry]

Hi Jason,

I think the more said about our hobby the better. Education is the best way to prevent prohibition.

Cheers
Bryan

[Gary O]

Originally posted by Dr. Bryan Fry
Hi Jason,

I think the more said about our hobby the better. Education is the best way to prevent prohibition.

Cheers
Bryan

I couldn't have said it better.

[cobraman]

For the record, I am all for educational media attention in terms of herps, but I am against every snake bite hitting the media.

[Gary O]

Yeah I see what you are saying. but if they are printed we has the people of the hobby need to know and respond in a positive matter to show we are not like this. Or we are trying to fix the problem. If we ignore these issues they will only grow.

When something like this is printed is when the herp world needs to stand taller...............

[redcarpet]

I think the more said about our hobby the better. Education is the best way to prevent prohibition.

Dr. fry
I agree 100%,I just don't think bad media is any help to our hobby.Peaple tend to freak in the states about snake bites.
Thank you for your knowledge and insight.

When something like this is printed is when the herp world needs to stand taller...............

Garyo,
You are 100% rite

thank you, guys

Danny

[Mustangrde1]

I do not beleive I ever said anything about myself changing a law. Yet it is possible. As for helping get laws past. My votes have helped with some failed with other. The California Gillnet Law was one I volunteered many hours trying to support. This is a great example of a grass route issue that passed and is now in force.

As for people never hearring about this particular issue I think CNN just before the Reagan Funeral speaks for itself. as to other issues it is very important to inform people in this hobby to try and head off over regulation by education and information.

[Cruciform]

So far I've had no luck getting any support in changing the local by-laws here. The city council won't even respond to my questions about a petition, the pet shop wouldn't let me put one in there anyway, and there's just no herper community.

The only positive aspect about the whole thing is that the lone animal control officer is lazy and will come up with any excuse not to follow up on a complaint.

So despite the fact that virtually any snake you can own is illegal here (60+ centimeters and up are banned), the chances of them doing anything are (hopefully) slim.

But then again, they don't do anything about attack dogs... they may call in a swat team for a snake or a spider.

[Dr. Bryan Fry]

Hi Cruciform

What are the by-laws in your area? That sounds extremely draconian! If you can get it on evidence based footing, you'll win. Of course, politicians rarely care about evidence and prefer to sit there being shrubbery.

Cheers
Bryan