NC Ban UPDATE

[ratman]

Here is some new info for NC residents and anyone else who wants to be proactive in the fight to protect our rights. Remember if it passes here they will use it as a basis to pass it other places. If you can attend the reptile show and participate or listen to the discussion please do! :'(

http://www.reptileandexoticanimalshow.com/nc/

http://www.allboas.com/sb1032.htm

ACTION ALERT


Roark Ferguson to discuss the impact of NC Senate bill 1032, Protection of Inherently Dangerous Animals and what can be done.
Herpetologist Roark Feguson, who was very active in defeating a similar bill proposed in South Carolina, has become active in fighting this North Carolina bill and will discuss this urgent issue April 30th and May 1st at 2pm. Roark will separate facts and fiction, discuss the ramifications of this bill, the snowball effect it would have if passed and explain the legislative procedures as well as lobbying efforts that will be necessary to have this bill defeated.
In all phases of his various careers, herpetology, on camera, speaking to large and small audiences, consulting and as the former director of Alligator Adventure, Roark has always emphasizes "animal welfare", conservation and protection through educating, not through laws that take away the rights of citizens to properly care for and own animals. Roark's experience protecting our rights and commitment to our coexistence with reptiles and exotic animals in wake of the current North Carolina bill being reviewed makes this special presentation one that all North Carolina reptile or exotic pet owners should attend. I urge anyone that has not read the bill to do so and learn what reptiles and mammals will be classified as "Inherently Dangerous Animals". We have invited the North Carolina legislators to attend because Roark's wealth of knowledge and ability to substantiate any information he provides with what animal rights activist fear most, facts. Due to the overwhelming interest on this issue, Mr. Ferguson will hold this discussion both Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. April 30 and May 1.

[denny_rimes]

Hey ratman,

I spoke with Gray Rushin this past week and apparently opposition to the proposed NC legislation appears to be gaining some ground. I know of many who have voiced their opinions, myself included, to the sponsor of the bill so hopefully the Raleigh reptile show will give NC reptile keepers a forum to demonstrate to the Senate just how unified they are.

I would really like to drive up and be a part of things, however it is quite a trek to Raleigh from SW Florida, where I live. I am still trying to talk the wife into it though. But she does not seem to be buying my line about...."It'll be a fun road trip like when we were in college". Maybe she can't remember back that far! LOL

Please keep us updated as to how things turn out!

Denny ;D

[ratman]

I will definitely pass on any and all suggestions on how to proceed and such! Thanks for your support and for all others who have taken the time to send emails and letters. Here again is the list of addresses if anyone still needs them! :'(

Johnga@ncleg.net
Charlied@ncleg.net
Dougb@ncleg.net
Elliek@ncleg.net
Fletcherh@ncleg.net
Hughw@ncleg.net
Jamesf@ncleg.net
Jimja@ncleg.net
abs@ncleg.net
Austina@ncleg.net
Boba@ncleg.net
Johnk@ncleg.net
Johnsn@ncleg.net
Katied@ncleg.net
Malcolmg@ncleg.net
Robertho@ncleg.net
scottt@ncleg.net
stanb@ncleg.net
Toma@ncleg.net
Eddieg@ncleg.net
Walterd@ncleg.net

Just remember to be polite and courteous. The last thing we need is to make it appear like we are uneducated or unsavy!

[prncslar03]

heres a question: How many peple in the legislature have had a positive experience with any of ther animals on the list, that can be handled, and or have even seen some of these animals? kinda seems that this might be a case like in farenheight 9/11, where michael moore wanted to sign the kids of the legislature up for the armed forces, and no one would. They can send other peoples kids but not their own, ie: They have never been around the animals, but can decide that they are dangerous, and that people should not own them, with out know ing how they are kept, and unfortunately misunderstood, by the general public. This seems like a fear thing, not a well being thing, but thats just my 2 cents. The people in legislature may need a herp lesson or two beforethye decide that they are going to ruin hte lives of so many people.

[goofykid87]

I dont know if this has been updated since...But the Garwood bill under...renovation...he got a lot of emails and a large unexpected responce from the reptile community...so he is redoing it trying to be more specific...wonder what it will look like when he tries to present it next year...

[ratman]

Here is a link to the updated info. It includes the newspaper article that was written about it! :'(

http://www.ratracesolutions.com/information.htm