Hello, my name is Heather Anderson. I am writing this letter over my concerns of two bills that have been introduced into Congress on 1/26/09 and 2/3/09.
H.R. 669 introduced into the House by Rep. Madeleine Bordallo [GU], and S.373 in the Senate introduced by Sen. Bill Nelson [FL]. These bills would make it illegal to own reptiles that are not native to our area.
While would make this an incomplete sentence I understand the impact of non-native species that are let loose because of someone not being able to care for them any more or simply because the novelty of owning them has worn off. There are still many of us in the reptile community that love and properly care for our reptiles. There are also a lot of responsible breeders whose livelihood is based on these beautiful animals. Shutting down reptile breeders will be putting even more people in financial downfall in this downward economical spiral. You will not only be punishing people who love and care for these animals in financial ruins but it will set off a chain reaction of financial problems. If you make reptile ownership illegal, then breeders will lose their livelihood. Next is the impact on pet stores, then the companies that make lighting for reptiles, the people that make substrate for reptiles, the people that raise or make food for reptiles etc, etc. I ask you to walk into a pet store and look at all the products for reptiles and then you will see just how many companies you will be affecting and how many people that will be out of jobs.
As for the reptiles being responsible for the destruction of our native species, we are the biggest cause of destruction to wildlife habitats. We push animals to the brink of extinction everyday. We tear down their homes to build our own. There are even more irresponsible dog and cat owners who dump their animals. That, too, has a great impact on the environment and safety of a community. For example : The Beach Mouse is an endangered animal in my area. Not only people that keep building condos and beach houses are pushing them closer to extinction but we are also overrun by feral cats that are killing them because of irresponsible pet owners that can no longer care foror want their cats. So do we make owning a cat illegal? More feral dogs attack people than reptiles that were let loose in the wild. Instead of pointing fingers and trying to banish reptile ownership, why not pass a law that has stipulations and requirements of owning reptiles? Such as, all reptiles sold must be micro-chipped and a contract must be signed stating the proper care and requirements that particular species will require until they are adults. [I find many of the people that have unwanted reptiles are simple because they were misinformed of the care and requirements that these animals need throughout there lives.] I would rewrite this entire sentence. Maybe, "I find that many unwanted reptiles are the result of the owner being misinformed of the care requirements that these animals need throughout their lives. By requiring reptiles be micro-chipped, not only can the irresponsible person be fined and punished, but this will also deter people from releasing these animals into the wild.
My other concern is over the fact that people that own reptiles now will not be grandfathered in. I am just one of many people who love their reptiles, the way most people love dogs or cats. I could not imagine my life without them in it, and I think I speak for all of us reptile lovers. If god forbid this law does pass, what will happen to our beloved pets? Most could not go from a home where they are loved and fed everyday and be thrown into the wild and survive. It sickens me to think that they may all have to be euthanized from no fault of their own or the people who love and care for them. I ask you to please reconsider passing these laws that will not only put more strain on people in an already falling economy but would take away the joy in our lives that these wonderful animals bring to us. To many of us, they are not just a novelty or an exotic possession but our best friends and companions. They brighten our lives and breathe life into us. If you doubt the love and care of reptiles and there owners, take the time to go to the online reptile forums you will see how many of us there are who absolutely adore them and make it a point to help everyone who has a question or concern over their reptile. We take the time out of our day to help and educate people on the proper care for their reptiles because they are so important to us. Don’t punish the people who really love and care for these animals.
Sincerely,
Heather J. Anderson
rotest: 
