http://resources.edgeboss.net/wmedia/resources/2009_04_23_insular.wvx

I know everyone is probably getting tired of hearing about HR669 by now, but it really is important that this bill gets stopped.  There is a new website that has been launched, http://www.nohr669.com/index.htm, and it makes it VERY easy to give your input on this bill.  There are no excuses for not weighing in on the bill through this website!

So we finally got around to setting up a naturalistic vivarium for one of our snakes.  I've been wanting to do this for quite a while, but finally sat down and just did it a couple of weeks ago.  We went all out on this thing!  Multi-level bioactive substrate, worms to aerate the soil, and live plants.  If you're interested in doing something like this, Philippe de Vosjoli wrote a great book about it called The Art of Keeping Snakes.  It's a great book and definitely a great resource. 

Pictures!

Here's a snapshot of Jette, our mexican black kingsnake, disappearing into her hide after we put her into the tank.

And here she is checking out the skull that I bought to add a little decoration.  After all, what's a desert without a skull? :D

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Just a quick update, this thing has been getting overrun with legislation news lately.  Time for some snake news!  It's looking like this is going to be the first girl of ours to go this year.  She should be ovulating in the next few weeks.  I usually end up missing the ovulations anyway though, so we'll have to see if I can catch her.

Also, I threw the pastel male that was bred to her into the tub with her for a quick shot.  We're hoping that she'll help brighten up the pastel gene a little bit.

The Problem:

HR669 The Non-Native Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act is a federal Bill introduced to the US House of Representatives by Del Madeleine Bordallo. It was written by the Defenders of Wildlife (DOW) a radical environmentalist group. It is based on a report called 'Broken Screens' written by DOW and commissioned by the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). It recommends a very prejudicial Risk Assessment procedure that takes a guilty until proven innocent approach to adding most non-native animals to the Injurious Wildlife List of the Lacy Act. In addition it recommends appropriating unprecedented amounts of taxpayer dollars to expand the size, scope and law enforcement role of USFWS.

If passed HR669 would end the import, export, purchase, sale, trade and breeding of most non-native animals. It would destroy a 3 Billion dollar a year Reptile Industry overnight. This is not an industry that is made up of corporate titans... just the opposite. The Reptile Industry is made up of Small American Family Businesses and Hobbyists. The underlying intent of HR669 is cast in the radical ideology of the Environmental and Animal Rights movement. It seeks to end the ownership and trade of all non-native animals and destroy American Families using the power of the federal government and our tax dollars to do it. This is NOT science... It IS Powerful Special interests manipulating our political system to their own ends. This is UNACCEPTABLE to USARK and the Reptile Industry.

 The Facts:

• The trade in Reptiles is a 2 billion dollar a year business (closer to 3 billion if you include all the ancillary businesses that support the animals).
• More than 11 million reptiles are being kept as pets in the US. More than 1 in every 25 households has 1 or more reptiles.
• There are close to 2 million Pythons and another 2 million Boas in captivity in the US right now. Many worth thousands of dollars each.
• There are more than 7 million geckos, turtles, lizards and other reptiles in captivity in the US right now.
• The US is the world leader comprising 82% of the reptile trade worldwide.
• HR669 is currently being considered by the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans & Wildlife. There is a hearing scheduled for April 23rd.

What USARK Is Doing:

• Hired high powered Washington DC Lobbyist.
• Meeting with key political figures.
• Meeting with USFWS.
• Educating legislators and staff.
• Raising Funds.
• Employing a comprehensive strategy to protect the right to own and trade in Reptiles & Amphibians.

What You Must Do Today: If you don't do this our rights are likely to be taken from you.

 >>Read the rest to find out how you can help send a letter and stop this bill. <<

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Just found this on my local forum, ball-pythons.net.

On April 23rd 2009 The Natural Resources Committee of the U.S. Congress will hold a hearing on H.R. 669, a resolution that will in effect ban importation, interstate transport and the private ownership of most birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish as pets.

Should HR669 be adopted as written only the following nonnative animals would be allowed:
any cat (Felis catus)
cattle or oxen (Bos taurus)
chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus)
dog (Canis lupus familiaris)
donkey or ass (Equus asinus)
domesticated members of the family Anatidae (geese)
duck (domesticated Anas spp.)
goat (Capra aegagrus hircus)
goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus)
horse (Equus caballus)
llama (Lama glama)
mule or hinny (Equus caballus x E. Asinus)
pig or hog (Sus scrofa domestica)
domesticated varieties of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
sheep (Ovis aries)

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