This would ban almost all animal species, including fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and any animal that is not native to Ohio
ALERT: Ashley, OH
The Village of Ashley is considering a ban on all “exotic, “wild,” and livestock animals, along with a pet limit. This would ban almost all animal species, including fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and any animal that is not native to Ohio (except some commonly recognized domesticated animals). The only grandfather provision applies to people with more than three dogs. Local residents need to show up and speak up!
What it does:
- Bans all species “foreign and not native to the local area” and all species “not normally domesticated.”
- Creates a pet limit that allows no more than three dogs or three cats.
- Bans all livestock animals unless kept on a farm.
- Allows that animals found to be in violation may be “removed from the Village or be humanely destroyed.”
Full details and sample email at https://usark.org/24oh/.
Facebook alert at https://www.facebook.com/
ALERT: Florence, SC
UPDATE 12/9/24: The Council voted to table (postpone) the final vote. USARK President Phil Goss was the only person present to represent responsible reptile and amphibian owners. He was joined by two mammal owners (who had great testimonies), and the three of them were the only people who spoke on this issue. Fortunately, this was enough to get the vote tabled. The Council directed the City Attorney to explore grandfathering and alternative language. Alarmingly, no owners of horses, goats, llamas, pot-bellied pigs, or any other animals on the ban list showed up. Assuredly, hundreds of Florence residents have animals that will be banned, and those animals will need to be rehomed, surrendered, or euthanized. The language that almost passed today does not allow current owners to keep their animals. People who own these animals need to contact the Council and City Attorney.
Florence, South Carolina, has proposed a ban on many species of animals (list at https://usark.org/24sc2/).
Website Alert: https://usark.org/
Facebook: https://www.
ALERT UPDATE: Burlington, VT
Read the full alert at https://usark.org/24vt/. This is just an update.
UPDATE 11/5/24: STOPPED! Thank you to those who opposed this overreaching and unjust ban. The Dog Task Force presenter did not mention the proposal to ban tens of thousands of “exotic animals.” However, the Burlington Ordinance Committee highlighted the many messages received opposing the exotic animal ban and focused on that. The Committee asked questions and decided to remove the proposal to ban tens of thousands of animal species (which included fish, birds, reptiles, and more).
USARK was the only group allowed to testify during the limited public speaking session and had to correct some misinformation presented by a local attorney who is seemingly behind this ban. One local pet owner was able to attend in person to speak and did a great job.
These bans easily pass if no one is paying attention. This issue may resurface, but it will not advance at this time. USARK will keep you posted.
Light Bulb Ban
Read more information with action alert at https://usark.org/
In 2022, the Department of Energy (“Department”) passed a regulation that banned certain incandescent light bulbs. Basically, light bulbs are deemed inefficient if they do not emit a certain amount of lumens per watt. This was meant to transition from less efficient bulbs to more efficient lighting, like LED bulbs.
Reptile lighting is a specialty item and is not used for general-purpose lighting in homes and businesses. However, certain bulbs were reviewed solely on how many lumens they produced per watt. Herp keepers know that halogen and basking bulbs are not used in household lamps for general lighting.
Read the rest and take action at https://usark.org/24doe/.
More alerts below…
Fundraising Run Across Texas
Marcin is a Marine on a Texas-sized mission (literally)! Marcin of Bigger Better Reptiles is going to take an 850-mile trek across the state of Texas. This will be his longest run, and he is doing it as a fundraiser for USARK.
From Marcin: “USARK is fighting for our rights as reptile keepers. Our way of life is constantly being threatened, and it is important that we have people fighting for us so that we can continue pursuing our passion with these animals. We want to raise money for them to help fund their cause. We plan to start running on March 21st, 2025. Let’s make this happen! Thanks, y’all.”
SPONSORS WANTED: Anyone interested in sponsorships or contributing to this effort, please email biggerbetterrepti
