The remark deadline is February 24, 2025! Click on the hyperlink for extra particulars on how and what to remark. https://usark.org/23esa2/
UPDATE 12/27/24: FWS has used emergency rulemaking to use a 240-day momentary itemizing for the blue tree monitor (Varanus macraei) as endangered beneath the Endangered Species Act (ESA). That is efficient instantly. FWS has proposed that this itemizing shall be everlasting. They’ll select to not checklist the species if the proof doesn’t help the itemizing, or they will modify the itemizing. This may now be an expedited course of. Anybody working with this species, particularly those that have efficiently bred it, ought to submit data (see full alert for information) to FWS. Feedback have to be submitted by February 24, 2025.
Learn extra at https://usark.org/23esa2/.
ALERT: Washington “Do Not Launch” Brochure
UPDATE 2/18/24: The listening to simply ended. HB1976 obtained solely favorable verbal testimony however dozens of individuals opposed the invoice by way of the net system. USARK testified in favor with ideas to make the tip product higher, reminiscent of a less complicated postcard with fundamental data, QR code, and accompanying web site, which the state already has by way of its Don’t Let It Free useful resource. No vote occurred in the present day.
Home Invoice 1976 had its first studying in the present day (Feb. 14) and would require pet shops to supply a brochure with all animal and aquatic plant gross sales. The brochure, produced by the Washington Invasive Species Council, will embrace details about invasive species, the significance of not releasing animals, and what to do in case you can not take care of animals or aquatic crops.
This may present schooling and sources to individuals shopping for animals and aquatic crops. If the brochure is completed effectively, this might be an awesome effort that helps accountable animal possession.
HB1976 is scheduled for a public listening to within the Home Committee on Agriculture & Pure Sources on February 18 at 10:30 a.m. Get extra data at https://usark.org/25wa/.
ALERT: South Carolina Venomous Ban
South Carolina Home Invoice 3937 (H3937) was launched on Feb. 6, 2025 by Consultant Hixon. It would ban venomous reptiles (checklist beneath). The invoice makes it unlawful to import into, possess, maintain, buy, have custody or management of, reproduce, or promote inside this State. Present homeowners can get permits and should register their animals inside 90 days of the efficient date.
Get full particulars at https://usark.org/25sc/.
ALERT: Virginia Mammal Breeding Restrictions
UPDATE: Potential Home vote on Monday, Feb. 17.
This invoice has been amended twice since our unique alert, when it included all kinds of animals. UPDATE 2/4/25: The invoice barely handed the Senate with a 21-18. It was amended once more and the textual content is at https://lis.blob.core.home windows.internet/information/1038436.PDF. The invoice now bans hybridizing and hand-raising mammals. Zoos have some exemptions.
Full particulars at https://usark.org/25va/.
ALERT: Colorado
UPDATE 1/22/25: The PACFA assembly was in the present day. USARK and three stakeholders attended in particular person (who all did nice when talking), with a number of extra in attendance nearly. PACFA remains to be accepting feedback and plans to put up the formal proposal by February 28. Electronic mail feedback to cda_pacfa@state.co.us.
Learn the total alert at www.usark.org/24co2.
The Pet Animal Care and Services Act (PACFA) Program beneath the Colorado Division of Agriculture has drafted new rules and amendments. Adjustments apply to herp, chicken, fish, and mammal rules. There’s a hyperlink in our alert with the adjustments marked in pink and described intimately (final a number of pages). It is a first draft for evaluation, and PACFA is taking enter from stakeholders. We admire PACFA working with stakeholders.
Rule adjustments embrace:
+ Enclosure necessities and minimal thresholds earlier than requiring a PACFA license for sure reptiles and amphibians
+ Exemptions from sterilization necessities for cats and canine in shelters and rescues
+ Vaccination necessities for canine, cats, and ferrets imported into PACFA-licensed services
+ Including definitions and guidelines round foster houses and foster suppliers
ALERT: Last and Interim FWS Salamander Guidelines
Alerted on January 8: In January 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) printed an interim rule itemizing 201 species (20 genera) of salamanders as injurious beneath the Lacey Act. FWS has now finalized that rule and written an interim rule including 16 genera (about 164 species), opening a public remark interval concerning these species. The remark deadline is March 11.
Learn extra at https://usark.org/25salamander/.
Gentle Bulb Ban
Learn extra data with motion alert at https://usark.org/24doe/.
In 2022, the Division of Vitality (“Division”) handed a regulation that banned sure incandescent gentle bulbs. Principally, gentle bulbs are deemed inefficient if they don’t emit a certain quantity of lumens per watt. This was meant to transition from much less environment friendly bulbs to extra environment friendly lighting, like LED bulbs.
Reptile lighting is a specialty merchandise and isn’t used for general-purpose lighting in houses and companies. Nonetheless, sure bulbs have been reviewed solely on what number of lumens they produced per watt. Herp keepers know that halogen and basking bulbs aren’t utilized in family lamps for normal lighting.
Learn the remainder and take motion at https://usark.org/24doe/.
ALERT: Connecticut Animal Breeder Rules
Connecticut Home Invoice 5902 would ban the breeding of animals until the particular person or firm is licensed by the Connecticut Division of Agriculture. The invoice additionally requires the Division of Agriculture to create tips for the breeding of animals, develop a breeder registry, acquire registration charges, and carry out annual inspections of such breeders.
Alert at https://usark.org/25ct/.
ALERT: Connecticut Unique Animal Ban
Connecticut Home Invoice 5905 would ban the commerce of unique animals.
Alert at https://usark.org/25ct1/.
ALERT: NY RES Turtle Commerce Ban
New York Meeting Invoice A1685 bans the breeding, sale, commerce, buy, importation, and exportation of red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans). Some exemptions exist, however not for personal breeders. There isn’t a grandfathering language, so any present breeders wouldn’t be allowed to proceed. The invoice doesn’t ban possession, and present homeowners shouldn’t be affected.
Alert at https://usark.org/25ny-2/.
ALERT: ESA Modernization Invoice
HR102 was launched by Consultant Andy Biggs (Arizona). This invoice amends the Endangered Species Act to stop a species that’s not native to america from being listed as an endangered or threatened species.
Alert at https://usark.org/25esa/.
ALERT: Ashley, OH
UPDATE 1/7/25: The ultimate vote was postponed as a result of Mayor Lockhart and the Council need to guarantee they write a sound ordinance. USARK President Phil Goss attended and spoke for accountable reptile and “unique” animal homeowners. Since just a few species would fall beneath the proposed definition of domesticated animal, USARK desires to make sure adjustments have been made. Despite the fact that Ashley is a small city, dangerous ordinances can unfold shortly. USARK appreciates that the Ashley lawmakers need to do it proper the primary time with out unintended penalties.
What it does:
- Bans all species “overseas and never native to the native space” and all species “not usually domesticated.”
- Creates a pet restrict that permits not more than three canine or three cats.
- Bans all livestock animals until stored on a farm.
Full particulars and pattern e-mail at https://usark.org/24oh/.
Fb alert at https://www.fb.com/photograph?fbid=987040936785669&set=a.615159700640463.
ALERT: Florence, SC
UPDATE 2/7/25: Employees has requested that the ordinance be tabled/deferred on the February assembly.
UPDATE 12/9/24: The Council voted to desk (postpone) the ultimate vote. USARK President Phil Goss was the one particular person current to signify accountable reptile and amphibian homeowners. He was joined by two mammal homeowners (who had nice testimonies), and the three of them have been the one individuals who spoke on this problem. Luckily, this was sufficient to get the vote tabled. The Council directed the Metropolis Legal professional to discover grandfathering and different language. Alarmingly, no homeowners of horses, goats, llamas, pot-bellied pigs, or every other animals on the ban checklist confirmed up. Assuredly, lots of of Florence residents have animals that shall be banned, and people animals will have to be rehomed, surrendered, or euthanized. The language that just about handed in the present day doesn’t permit present homeowners to maintain their animals. Individuals who personal these animals must contact the Council and Metropolis Legal professional.
Florence, South Carolina, has proposed a ban on many species of animals (checklist at https://usark.org/24sc2/). There isn’t a grandfather clause, so even present homeowners couldn’t maintain their animals. The ban checklist is lengthy and consists of many animals, reminiscent of geese, widespread livestock, dart frogs, bigger species of constrictor snakes, and extra.
Web site Alert: https://usark.org/24sc2/
Fb: https://www.fb.com/photograph/?fbid=970427231780373&set=a.753333170156448
ALERT: New York
Senate Invoice 252 (S252) makes some adjustments to the “wild animal” legislation in New York. It’s sponsored by Senator Monica R. Martinez with Senators Andrew Gounardes, Leroy Comrie, Rachel Might, and Luis R. Sepúlveda as co-sponsors. The was referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee.
Learn extra at https://usark.org/25ny/.
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ALERT: Diamondback Terrapin ESA Itemizing
Snippet: On September 19, 2024, the Middle for Organic Variety (CBD) petitioned the Nationwide Marine Fisheries Service (informally often called NOAA Fisheries and an company inside the Nationwide Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA) to checklist the Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) as endangered beneath the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA)…
Learn the total alert at https://usark.org/24esa3/.
ARTICLE: “Gentle bulb ban threatens reptile, amphibian welfare” by the Veterinary Infomation Community
snippet: “The ban ought to be a priority of animal caretakers for a lot of species,” mentioned Latney, a senior veterinarian on the Schwarzman Animal Medical Middle who is also chair of the Affiliation for Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV). “That is significantly true for captive reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammal species which have restricted publicity to pure, unfiltered daylight.”
Learn the total article at https://information.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=210&Id=12254509&f5=1.
Fundraising Run Throughout Texas
Marcin is a Marine on a Texas-sized mission (actually)! Marcin of Larger Higher Reptiles goes to take an 850-mile trek throughout the state of Texas. This shall be his longest run, and he’s doing it as a fundraiser for USARK.
From Marcin: “USARK is preventing for our rights as reptile keepers. Our lifestyle is consistently being threatened, and it’s important that now we have individuals preventing for us in order that we are able to proceed pursuing our ardour with these animals. We need to increase cash for them to assist fund their trigger. We plan to start out working on March twenty first, 2025. Let’s make this occur! Thanks, y’all.”
SPONSORS WANTED: Anybody fascinated with sponsorships or contributing to this effort, please e-mail biggerbetterreptiles@gmail.com. They’ve a web-based donation web site (SpotFund) at https://www.spotfund.com/story/adaf23f2-7beb-43da-be49-45bb9dfdb96e. Thanks, Marcin and BBR!
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TAKE A HERP KEEPING SURVEY (and be entered to win money prizes)!
It solely takes 5-10 minutes! Winners for money prizes (as much as $500) shall be chosen randomly in March 2025. All entrants will obtain a free digital subscription to The Keeper journal.
The survey asks fundamental questions, together with what species you retain, what number of, in what kinds of enclosures, and years of expertise. This survey is delivered to you by Accountable Reptile Conserving (RRK).
Take the survey at https://survey.responsiblereptilekeeping.com/. Study extra about RRK at https://responsiblereptilekeeping.org/.
BOA SHIRTS and NEW SWAG at the moment are delivery!
They simply arrived, so get yours now! Three types can be found, however two are very restricted.
Click on the picture or this hyperlink to BUY NOW! https://usark.org/store/
This screen-printed cotton/polyester mix shirt is extraordinarily delicate and wrinkle-resistant.
FREE sticker and delivery!
Adeline Robinson created the paintings at https://www.adelinerobinsonart.com.
Discover A Vet
Want a superb herp veterinarian? The Affiliation of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) will help. ARAV supplies a free Discover-A-Vet service at http://arav.site-ym.com/search/customized.asp?id=3661.
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