Public comment extension requested on proposal to ban nine constrictor snakes.
The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) and the U.S. Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) have requested an extension to submit comments on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) proposal to list nine species of large constrictor snakes as “injurious wildlife.”
The current deadline for which the public can make a comment is May 11. PIJAC and USARK, as well as individual business owners, have submitted requests to allow an additional 90 days to comment on the proposal. They claim the original 60-day comment period does not provide sufficient time to properly review the proposed rule change and supporting documents—including a 302-page U.S. Geological Survey risk assessment, a 56-page economic analysis and 47-page environmental assessment—and respond adequately. PIJAC is encouraging members of the public who need more time to submit a comment to send a similar letter to FWS.
The proposed rule change seeks to list the Indian and Burmese python, Northern African python, Southern African python, reticulated python, green anaconda, yellow anaconda, Beni or Bolivian anaconda, DeSchauensee’s anaconda and boa constrictor as “injurious wildlife” under the Lacey Act, thus prohibiting the importation and interstate trade of the species.
Comments may be submitted by May 11 at www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015 or via U.S. mail or hand-delivery to Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA 22203.
To view PIJAC’s letter requesting an extension, click here.
To view USARK’s letter, click here.
