Saturday, December 19, 2009
Python Ban
I oppose S.373, the so-called “Python Ban” as it is ill conceived, politically contrived, and based on the shakiest of “science”. A better word would be “baloney.” Not to mention, it could functionally legislate me out of existence.
Here’s a copy of the letter I wrote to my two Senators.
December 17, 2009
Dear Senator Cornyn,
Dear Senator Hutchison,
Please oppose S. 373 aka ‘The Python Ban’. It would bypass the accepted USFWS process for amending the Lacey Act and legislatively add 9 species of boas and pythons to the Injurious Wildlife list. If passed as written it would threaten a viable US industry producing high quality captive bred reptiles for hobbyists, research, zoos, TV & film, museums, schools, scouting organizations and the fashion industry. Senator Hutchison, we’ve met and you’ve seen my show at a kid’s party in Dallas.
The USGS report being used as justification for these draconian measures has been characterized by independent scientists as “unscientific” and “not suitable as the basis for legislative or regulatory policies”. I appreciate the difficulties Burmese Pythons may pose to South Florida, but it is a problem that is endemic ONLY to South Florida and should be dealt with at the state level. S. 373 encompasses far more than Burmese pythons, including animals that couldn’t hurt a human if they tried (and almost never do) and with proper husbandry and handling, Burmese pythons can be among nature’s most compelling and effective ambassadors. Released anywhere but South Florida, there is nowhere in the US where they could survive a single winter.
S. 373 will hurt my family and my business. It does not address the underlying problems proponents claim. S. 373 makes no provisions for the disposition of over 2 million snakes already in captivity in the US. It will create a situation where thousands of Americans are in possession of “Injurious Wildlife” and subject to felony prosecution under the Lacey Act. This bill will be bad for our state, bad for jobs, and sets a terrible precedent by legislating science for the sake of political expedience. Please oppose S. 373. Thank You for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Daryl Sprout
Will this help? Does my voice mean anything here? I dunno. I called both offices and offered to meet with them in person, which of course a secretary jotted down and said would pass along.
Can I do my show without pythons? Yes, but it will lose several facets of what makes it great. Besides, I have the best, most patient animals in the business for my little niche. What would become of them?
Mike Lynch said,
Monday, February 8, 2010 at 21:18:45
Bravo! Nicely written.