I would like to thank Donna Fernstrom of Eclipse Exotics (WingedWolf) for bringing this to my attention. The attached post was authored by Jonathan Brady of USARK; I simply want to pass the message along. Not sure if the site rules allow for us to link to other forums, so I am simply pasting the message here:

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For those unaware, there have been some Federal bills lying around that attempt to circumvent the normal procedures for adding species to the Lacey Act. One of them has just been 'reawakened', and anyone who wants to retain the right to freely transport boa constrictors, green anacondas, or reticulated pythons is in danger of losing that right. Boas are one of the most popular pet constrictors, and millions own them. Stymied by the need to meet the Information Quality Act if impacts exceed 10 million dollars, the FWS added only 4 species to the Lacey Act (Burmese, yellow anaconda, and both African Rock Pythons). This bill sidesteps the entire requirement for scientific evidence or justification.

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RED ALERT: HR511 Stop Python BAN NOW!

HR 511, a bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the importation of various injurious species of constrictor snakes; Indian python, Python molurus, including the Burmese python, Python molurus bivittatus; reticulated python, Broghammerus reticulatus; Northern African python,Python sebae; Southern African python, Python natalensis; Boa constrictor; yellow anaconda, Eunectes notaeus; DeSchauensee’s anaconda, Eunectes deschauenseei; green anaconda, Eunectes murinus; and the Beni anaconda, Eunectes beniensis, in the US House of Representatives, was introduced January 26, 2011 by Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL) .

Congressman Rooney has taken action to move HR 511! This bill seeks to add 9 constricting snakes to the Injurious Wildlife List of the Lacey Act. HR 511 has been scheduled for a Markup Hearing before the US House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday February 28, 2012 at 10:00 AM EST.

Markups for the 112th Congress

>>There is very little time to voice opposition to this bill that could devistate the Reptile Community. Please participate in the USARK Call In Campaign TODAY!<<

PHONE CAMPAIGN:

Talking Points:

•Will destroy thousands of jobs and small family businesses; $104 million annual economic impact.
•Criminalize the actions of over 1 million American Citizens; Lacey Act felons.
•Federal action to address a localized problem in South Florida is unnecessary; the State of Florida and US Fish & Wildlife have already taken draconian measures.
•Underlying science has been criticized by scientists from around the world.
•Creates a massive animal welfare problem, potentially displacing millions of animals.

Key Members of House Judiciary Committee:

Lamar Smith (R-TX)- 202-225-4236
Sensenbrenner (R-WI)- 202-225-5101
Coble (R-NC)- 202-225-3065
Issa (R-CA)- 202-225-3906
Gohmert (R-TX)- 202-225-3035
Chaffetz (R-UT)- 202-225-7751
Gowdy (R-SC)- 202-225-6030
Poe (R-TX)- 202-225-6565
Goodlatte (R-VA)- 202-225-5431

DO IT NOW!!!

*Thanks again to Jonathan Brady, USARK and Donna of Eclipse Exotics
http://www.reptileboards.com/threads...all-now.64995/

You only have today to call - there will be legislation that will fight YOUR right to keep frogs and other amphibians by adding them to the Lacey Act too. Do NOT wait around until they target your pet; we as a group of herp enthusiasts must stand together and fight this! If they can continue to get their foot in the door on some of these constricting snakes, what do you think will be next? Amphibians due to Chytrid Fungus (look into it). There is a real threat to the entire herpetoculturist society as a whole, we need to fight!