Lacey Act Amendments

I texted Rich Birely the president of Sacramento Aquarium Society and have not heard back yet about his site to comment about this amendment.

However I found this link on the Internet with some good information and a place to email your representatives.

https://www.reef2rainforest.com/2022/02/02/the-pet-industry-needs-your-help/

https://cqrcengage.com/pijac/app/write-a-letter?0&engagementId=513850

Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich
Thanks for the PIJAC link. I wrote a custom letter to the Senators of California.
 
Don’t Panic! (In big red letters on the cover)

We tend to be a hair-trigger society now a days. Something comes along we haven’t researched or read, but we saw some guy do a video somewhere.
Now his opinion is ours. Its the Republicans, the Democrats, the Liberals, et. al.

Grab a glass of wine and an hour, pull up the bill, read it, think on it.
Keep in mind this bill has been about for years, its just being re-upped and modified for funding to various agencies and adding some caveats due to the current world health situation.

Reading through a couple times, and engaging in debate, here’s my take…

Sec. 71102. Lacey Act amendments.
Addresses threats from wildlife disease and invasive species by amending the Lacey Act to allow for up to a 3-year emergency ban on importation of wildlife that poses imminent threats, including to human health, and to prohibit the transportation of injurious species across state lines in response to a circuit court ruling that limited the scope of the Lacey Act. Bans new species imports until they are found to not be invasive in the United States.

Now each state already has an invasive species or regulated list. That isn’t changing. And species that are not on the list, including most reptiles (and chameleons), are OK, and breeders are safe to continue.

So, we’re looking to regulate new species. If a new species is brought in and it carries, say, an avain flu, or a CoVid virus, it can then be placed on the ban list for 3 years due to immediate threat.


What good does it do?

Prohibit U.S. imports, exports, possession, trade and sale of shark fins.

Prohibits destruction of environments when collecting ‘non-new’ species inclusive of fish, coral, reptiles, and certain mammals.

Reauthorize agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have the funding they need to carry out critical anti-wildlife trafficking activities.

Reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act along with other protection acts, to conserve and restore natural environments.


Still have some reading to do and digest, but I'm not worried about this in the least atm. Looks like its an all around protective blanket for people and animal habitats.
I'd hazard to guess that unless your chameleon is a brand new species, is a killer of humans, or is a carrier of a virus, nothing should change.


EDIT: The petition page actually states this:

The amendment to HR4521 is concerning for the pet care community, because it would:
  • Create a white list of approved species that can be imported, where any animal not listed is treated as an injurious species by default and banned from importation into the United States;
  • Change the Lacey Act shipment clause to ban the interstate transport of species listed as injurious; and
  • Establish new emergency powers that would allow USFWS to use an "emergency designation" that is effective immediately after publication in the Federal Register unless extended up to 60 days to prohibit importation of species if found injurious to humans, ag, horticulture, forestry, wildlife or wildlife resources of U.S. for no more than 3 years.
I'm pretty sure there's not a commission being set up by the government to come after fairly common household pets. BUt, if you want to import a tiget or a gila monster, you may run into some trouble.
 
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https://usark.org/2022lacey1/

I hope you all are aware of this newest attack on out hobby, and hopefully can organize something to oppose it, as this will effect anyone who keeps any "exotic" animal.
Thank you for the info. Remember people, chams eat many bugs that could find there way to that list! Ordering live food can definately be attacked. We all should contact each senator with our state about passing the Lacey Act that was attached to this bill. Sweeping control by any agency has many consequences. This should be left to each state all of which have agencys in place to deal with a localized issues!
 
There are over 200 species of chameleon some species like gracillior and quadricornis have not been imported for many years because their home range is in civil war not because they are invasive or dangerous. There are few individuals in the US currently and the bloodlines are running thin. Should they ever become available for export/import three additional years of bureaucratic stasis will thin these lines into oblivion.
 
The circles and businesses I have talked to have stated this bill is the start of the government to eliminate the exotic wildlife trade in the USA. I had a good talk with about 80 members at the Sacramento Aquarium Society and an owner of an Aquarium Store today. Digits crossed the opinion posted by Marc C above is the accurate one. However the opinions from what I have heard is not positive.

I think this bill is a bold attempt to stop the spread of invasive species in USA native ecosystems and address trade in exotic wildlife issues.

Best Regards
Jeremy A.Rich
 
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Don’t Panic! (In big red letters on the cover)
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Thank you! You've just freed up my morning! 😁
 
Phil Gross from USARK will have a live You Tube video tonight at 7:00 CST to explain how the amendments to the Lacey Act will effect us and our pets. I’ll get the link for any that’s interested.


ALERT: We've all heard by now about this dangerous piece of legislation that just passed the house and could effect everyone who keeps a pet in America, not just reptile people.

Tonight night at 7 PM CST I will be LIVE with Phil Goss of USARK and Ryan and Erica McVeigh of VivTech products to discuss what this new legislation is, how dangerous it is, and how it impacts herpetoculture, zoos and scientists, and ordinary pet keepers alike. We will take your questions and concerns and let you know what you can do to help. JOIN US at 7PM Feb. 9th exclusively at https://bit.ly/reptileadventures

To learn more about this act and how it will effect EVERYONE, visit https://usark.org/2022lacey/
 
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