USFWS announced they want to add nine large constrictors to the Injurious Wildlife list of the Lacey Act.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced that they want to initiate the process of “Rule Change” to add the Burmese python and eight other large constrictors (as per the U.S. Geological Survey report) to the Injurious Wildlife list of the Lacey Act. They announced that they would publish this proposal in the Federal Register in early February. There will then be 60 days for the public to make comment.
This is an opportunity for the scientific process to play out. We have asked for science to trump political expediency. We have a team of scientists working on the science side and we have compiled much economic data in our work with the Congressional Budget Office. The United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) will conduct a number of surveys around the country and on the Internet to collect vital information to provide to the USFWS. We will have surveys at the Tinley Park USARK/ PIJAC Summit meeting on February 13 and 14. It is incredibly important that everyone participates in the surveys in order for us to present the best information possible. We will also have petitions that need to be signed! Please come to the Tinley Park Summit. This will be the most important meeting in the history of the reptile industry. Every real player in this industry, as well as hobbyists and the general public, need to attend the Tinley Park USARK/ PIJAC Summit. If you are a USARK Gold or Silver member please try to be there!
Andrew Wyatt is the President of the United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) and has been an avid herp enthusiast for more than 35 years. He has traveled the world and has had his animals featured in a number of television productions. For more information about USARK, click here.
