READ THIS!!! Absolutely Critical ISSUE!!!!

[mcsinny99]

I agree that snakeheads are the plague, pythons are eating dogs in Florida, and lady bugs were better when they didn't swarm and bite people, but I worry that they (Big G) maybe taking things to far. Here is the link.

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-669

Maybe someone who can digest legal mumbo jumbo can translate this better, but my gut instinct is it could put our hobby into a smaller range.

[brewmaster15]

That is very disturbing!


any such live, wild species or subspecies of mammal, bird, fish, reptile, amphibian, insect, mollusk, crustacean, arthropod, coelenterate, or other invertebrate, and

and


SEC. 9. TREATMENT OF NONNATIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES AS NONMAILABLE MATTER.

Nonnative wildlife species included in the list of approved species issued under section 4 shall be considered and treated as nonmailable matter under section 3015 of title 39, United States Code (http://www.law.cornell.edu/usc-cgi/newurl?type=titlesect&title=39&section=3015).



I think we all should contact our legislators... The purpose behind the bill is good, but the idea that a law could be crafted that would leave all the details out as which species it covers until after its a law is not my kind of document. I don't trust the powers that be to handle that one well at all!:(

-al

[brewmaster15]

More info on this important topic....I recieved this Pm at Aquaria central....

Dear brewmaster15,

You have received a new private message at Aquaria Central from
AC-PA-BOT, entitled "Support needed to Oppose HR 669, A bill to block
the importation of non-native species".

To read the original version, respond to, or delete this message, you
must log in here:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/private.php

This is the message that was sent:
***************
Please be aware that there is a Congressional Hearing happening on April
23, 2009 which pertains largely to our hobby. This hearing is on the
Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act, HR 669, a bill which wishes
to revamp how species are regulated under the Lacey Act. Species not
appearing on the “Approved List” could not be imported into the United
States; therefore, all unapproved nonnative species could not be moved
interstate. In addition, trade in all such unlisted species would
come to a halt – possession would be limited and all breeding would
cease. Unless those species are included on the approved list import,
export, transport, and breeding would be prohibited. Exceptions are
limited and would not be available to pet owners across the nation.

A HEARING has been scheduled for April 23 and the pet industry needs to
be heard load and clear prior to the hearing! The anti-trade elements
are hard at work to stop activities involving non-native species.

You can contact members of the subcommitte by emailing or faxing your
opposition to HR 669 to their offices in Washington DC urging them to
amend the bill. You can also contact district offices to voice your
oppositon or request a meeting with your Representative. It is also
important to organize like-minded people in your district so several of
you can visit with your representative at the same time.

Spread the word to fellow hobbyists, friends, family, and like-minded
individuals and urge them to respond to this unworkable approach which
is an issue for all of us. Call, email, and fax your local newspapers or
tv stations. We need to get the word out.

More details can be found at the following link on
AC (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/www.aquariacentral.com):
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=188837
AC Petition : http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=86144566696

MFK (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/www.monsterfishkeepers.com):
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230852
MFK Petition :
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230948

A group has also been formed on Facebook at the following -->
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=86144566696


Take the time, show your support, make your voice heard to protect our
hobby.
***************

[DiscusDude85]

O man, Trying to take my discus !!!!. I'd storm the white house for that one. Ive got two lfs im going to print out a copy of this and bring it to them. Im sure they could help drum up some intirest. This is insane. The govt has become way TOO involved. I understand its for a good cause beleive me i do. But on the flip side, I hope they do ALL of their research and dont just slap some plan into effect. I dont have one imported discus, They are all home growns, But still this would really hurt our sponsors, And the quality of discus here in the US would suck!!!. Lets just keep our fingers crossed that discus will be legal. Lets just hope they have never heard of discus and it wont be on any list at all.




Joe

[Eddie]

Wow, that is shocking. Thanks for the heads up guys and I'll definitely show some support!

Eddie

[brewmaster15]

From Monsterfishes info...

ACT NOW – Also alert your employees, friends, neighbors, competitors, and any other like-minded people and urge them to take time to respond to this unworkable approach to dealing with f an issue of concern to all of us.

KEEP CHECKING PIJAC’S WEBSITE FOR UPDATES ON HR669

If you have questions or wish to express your views to PIJAC, please contact Marshall Meyers or Bambi Nicole Osborne by phone at 202-452-1525 or via email at bambi@pijac.org or marshall@pijac.org (bambi@pijac.org).



House Committee on Natural Resources
Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans & Wildlife
187 Ford House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/226-0200 (Tel.)
202/225-1542 (Fax)


Madeleine Z. Bordallo (Ch)(NP-Guam)
427 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-5301
202/225-1188 (Washington Tel. #)
202/226-0341 (Washington Fax #)

120 Father Duenas Ave., Suite 107
Hagatna, GUAM 96910
671/477-4272 (District Tel. #)
671/477-2587 (District Fax #)

http://www.house.gov/bordallo/IMA/issue.htm



Neil Abercrombie (D-HI)
1502 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-2726 (Washington Tel. #)
202/225-4580 (Washington Fax #)

Prince Kuhio Federal Building
300 Ala Moana Blvd. – Room 4-104
Honolulu, HI 96850
808/541-2570 (District Tel. #)
808/533-0133 (District Fax #)

neil.abercrombie@mail.house.gov



Henry Brown (R-SC)
103 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-3176 (Washington Tel. #)
202/225-3407 (Washington Fax #)

1800 North Oak Street, Suite C
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843/445-6459 (District Tel. #)
843/445-6418 (District Fax #)

5900 Core Avenue, Suite 401
North Charleston, SC 29406
843/747-4175 (District Tel. #)
843/747-4711 (District Fax #)

http://brown.house.gov/Contact/index.html



Lois Capps (D-CA)
1110 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-3601 (Washington Tel. #)
202/225-5632 (Washington Fax #)

2675 N. Ventura Road, Suite 105
Port Hueneme, CA 93041
805/985-6807 (District Tel. #)
805/985-6875 (District Fax #)
301 E Carrillo Street, Suite A

Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805/730-1710 (District Tel. #)
805/730-9153 (District Fax #)

http://www.house.gov/capps/contact/send_an_email.shtml



William Cassidy (R-LA)
506 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-3901 (District Tel. #)
202/225-7313 (District Fax #)

5555 Hilton Avenue, Suite 100
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
225/929-7711 (District Tel. #)
225/929-7688 (District Fax #)

http://cassidy.house.gov/contact/index.shtml



Jason Chaffetz (R-UT)
1032 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-7751 (Washington Tel. #)
202/225-5629 (Washington Fax #)

51 South University Ave., Suite 319
Provo, UT 84601
801/851-2500 (District Tel. #)
801/851-2509 (District Fax #)

https://forms.house.gov/chaffetz/contactform.shtml



Donna M. Christensen (NP-Virgin Islands)
1510 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-1790 (Washington Tel. #)
202/225-5517 (Washington Fax #)

Nisky Business Center
Second Floor, Suite 207
St. Croix, VIRGIN ISLANDS 00802
340/778-4408 (District Tel. #)
340/778-8033 (District Fax #)

P.O. Box 5980
Sunny Isle Shopping Center, Space 25
St. Croix, VIRGIN ISLANDS 00823
340/778-5900 (District Tel. #)
340/778-5111 (District Fax #)

http://www.house.gov/writerep/



Diana L. DeGette (D-CO)
2335 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-4431 (Washington Tel. #)
202/225-5657 (Washington Fax #)

600 Grant Street, Suite 202
Denver, CO 80203
303/844-4988 (District Tel. #)
303/844-4996 (District Fax #)

http://www.house.gov/formdegette/zip_auth.htm



Eni F.H. Faleomavaega (NP – American Samoa)
2422 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-8577 (Washington Tel. #)
202/225-8757 (Washington Fax #)

P.O. Box, Drawer X
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA 96799
684/633-1372 (District Tel. #)
684/633-2680 (District Fax #)

faleomavaega@mail.house.gov
(faleomavaega@mail.house.gov)


Jeff Flake (R-AZ)
240 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-2635 (Washington Tel. #)
202/226-4386 (Washington Fax #)

1640 South Stapley, Suite 215
Mesa, AZ 85204
480/833-0092 (District Tel. #)
480/833-6314 (District Fax #)

jeff.flake@mail.house.gov (jeff.flake@mail.house.gov)



John Fleming (R-LA)
1023 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-2777 (Washington Tel. #)
202/225-8039 (Washington Fax #)

6425 Youree Drive, Suite 350
Shreveport, LA 71105
318/798-2254 (District Tel. #)
318/798-2063 (District Fax #)

Southgate Plaza Shopping Center
1606 Fifth Street
Leesville, LA 71446
337/238-0778 (District Tel. #)
337/238-0566 (District Fax #)

https://forms.house.gov/fleming/contactform.shtml



Doc Hastings (R-WA)
1203 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-4704
202/225-5816 (Washington Tel. #)
202/225-3251 (Washington Fax #)

2715 St. Andrews Loop, Suite D
Pasco, WA 99301
509/543-9396 (District Tel. #)
509/545-1972 (District Fax #)

302 East Chestnut Street
Yakima, WA 98901
509/452-3243 (District Tel. #)
509/452-3438 (District Fax #)

http://hastings.house.gov/ContactForm.aspx



Dale E. Kildee (D-MI)
2107 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-3611 (Washington Tel. #)
202/225-6393 (Washington Fax #)

432 N. Saginaw Street, Suite 410
Bay City, MI 48708
989/891-0990 (District Tel. #)
989/891-0994 (District Fax #)

515 N. Washington Avenue, Suite 401
Saginaw, MI 48607
989/755-8904 (District Tel. #)
989/755-8908 (District Fax #)

dkildee@mail.house.gov



Ronald James Kind (D-WI)
1406 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-5506 (Washington Tel. #)
202/225-5739 (Washington Fax #)

205 Fifth Ave. South, Suite 400
La Crosse, WI 54601
608/782-2558 (District Tel. #)
608/782-4588 (District Fax #)

131 South Barstow Street, Suite 301
Eau Claire, WI 54701
715/831-9214 (District Tel. #)
715/831-9272 (District Fax #)

ron.kind@mail.house.gov



Frank M. Kratovil, Jr. (D-MD)
314 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-5311 (Washington Tel. #)
202/225-0254 (Washington Fax #)

102 Turpins Lane
Centreville, MD 21617
443/262-9136 (District Tel. #)
443/262-9713 (District Fax #)

https://forms.house.gov/kratovil/contactform.shtml



Douglas L. Lamborn (R-CO)
437 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-4422 (Washington Tel. #)
202/226-2638 (Washington Fax #)

415 Main Street
Buena Vista, CO 81211
719/520-0055 (District Tel. #)
719/520-0840 (District Fax #)

1271 Kelly Johnson Blvd., Suite 110
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
719/520-0055 (District Tel. #)
719/520-0840 (District Fax #)

http://lamborn.house.gov/ZipAuth.aspx



Frank J. Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ)
237 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-3006
202/225-4671 (Washington Tel. #)
202/225-9665 (Washington Fax #)

67/69 Church Street, Kilmer Square
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732/249-8892 (District Tel. #)
732/249-1335 (District Fax #)

504 Broadway
Long Branch, NJ 07740
732/571-1140 (District Tel. #)
732/870-3890 (District Fax #)

http://www.house.gov/pallone/contact.shtml



Pedro R. Pierluisi (NP-Puerto Rico)
1218 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-2615 (Washington Tel. #)
202/225-2154 (Washington Fax #)

250 Calle Fortaleza Old
San Juan, PUERTO RICO 00901
787/723-6333 (District Tel. #)
787/723-6333 (District Fax #)

https://forms.house.gov/pierluisi/contactform.shtml



Nick Joe Rahall, II (D-WV)
2307 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-3452 (Washington Tel. #)
202/225-9061 (Washington Fax #)

601 Federal Street, Room 1005
Bluefield, WV 24701
304/325-6222 (District Tel. #)
304/325-0552 (District Fax #)

301 Prince Street
Beckley, WV 25801
304/252-5000 (District Tel. #)
304/252-9803 (District Fax #)

http://www.rahall.house.gov/?sectionid=9&sectiontree=9



Gregorio Sablan (I- Mariana Islands)
423 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-2646 (Washington Tel. #)
https://forms.house.gov/sablan/contactform.shtml



Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH)
1330 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-5456 (Washington Tel. #)
202/225-5822 (Washington Fax #)

33 Lowell Street
Manchester, NH 03101
603/641-9536 (District Tel. #)
603/641-9561 (District Fax #)

104 Washington Street
Dover, NH 03820
603/743-4813 (District Tel. #)
603/743-5956 (District Fax #)

http://forms.house.gov/sheaporter/we..._subscribe.htm (http://forms.house.gov/sheaporter/webform/issue_subscribe.htm)



Robert J. Wittman (R-VA)
1123 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-4261 (Washington Tel. #)

3504 Plank Road, Suite 203
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
540/548-1086 (District Tel. #)

4904-B George Washington Memorial Hwy.
Yorktown, VA 23692
757/874-6687 (District Tel. #)

https://forms.house.gov/wittman/IMA/..._subscribe.htm (https://forms.house.gov/wittman/IMA/webforms/issue_subscribe.htm)



Donald E. Young (R-AK)
2111 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202/225-5765 (Washington Tel. #)
202/225-0425 (Washington Fax #)

101 12th Avenue, #10
Fairbanks, AK 99701-6275
907/456-0210 (District Tel. #)
907/456-0279 (District Fax #)

Peterson Tower Building
510 L Street, Suite 580
Anchorage, AK 99501-1954
907/271-5978 (District Tel. #)
907/271-5950 (District Fax #)

don.young@mail.house.gov (ron.kind@mail.house.gov)


--> The H.R. 669 Bill (http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h669ih.txt.pdf) (pdf)

SPREAD THE WORD !!


Simply Members...speak up now to your reps..tell them not to support it!!!.This bill has the potential to be devastating for all of us that keep fish and just about every other creature out there!!!

thanks,
al

[Eyecandy]

Hi all.. Just got the same notification on MFK and was gonna post it here... you beat me to it.. This is crazy.. good intentions but lousy wording.. We need everyone's support to either have this rewritten to be very limited and specific or totally dismissed.. Sue:D:D

[YSS]

So, is this OK if all the fish we keep are on the approved list?

[brewmaster15]

So, is this OK if all the fish we keep are on the approved list?


No! If you read the wording of the bill it gives the government the right to control every species of fish,animal,invertebrate,reptile etc.... and forbid the keeping, breeding, and interstate commerce of such animals..If you think the local fish shops have a poor selection now....imagine what it will be if this passes.

Forget about keeping tropical fish or reptiles if you live in a warm area of the country... It could be construed as a risk species and potential invasive....The fact that the bill gives no details on which species it covers is really a major probelm...to be defined after the bill is made a law can't be allowed as an option.


I'm very alarmed by that...but I am even more alarmed by what the indirect consequences are... If Hobbyists can no longer obtain animals that are domestically raised or legally availible by import and trade then there could be a tremendous increase in pressure on native populations as people remove from the wild locally for the pet trade.....A bill meant to protect native species from invasive ones would most likely have a very negative impact on many native species in a particular state... Every state Biologist out there should recognize what this Bill would mean if put into law as presently designed.:mad:

The Bills intentions are good...but there is, as usual with far reaching legislation, a completely inadequate evaluation of the consequences of the law.

-al

[Chad Hughes]

More info on this important topic....I recieved this Pm at Aquaria central....

Dear brewmaster15,

You have received a new private message at Aquaria Central from
AC-PA-BOT, entitled "Support needed to Oppose HR 669, A bill to block
the importation of non-native species".

To read the original version, respond to, or delete this message, you
must log in here:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/private.php

This is the message that was sent:
***************
Please be aware that there is a Congressional Hearing happening on April
23, 2009 which pertains largely to our hobby. This hearing is on the
Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act, HR 669, a bill which wishes
to revamp how species are regulated under the Lacey Act. Species not
appearing on the “Approved List” could not be imported into the United
States; therefore, all unapproved nonnative species could not be moved
interstate. In addition, trade in all such unlisted species would
come to a halt – possession would be limited and all breeding would
cease. Unless those species are included on the approved list import,
export, transport, and breeding would be prohibited. Exceptions are
limited and would not be available to pet owners across the nation.

A HEARING has been scheduled for April 23 and the pet industry needs to
be heard load and clear prior to the hearing! The anti-trade elements
are hard at work to stop activities involving non-native species.

You can contact members of the subcommitte by emailing or faxing your
opposition to HR 669 to their offices in Washington DC urging them to
amend the bill. You can also contact district offices to voice your
oppositon or request a meeting with your Representative. It is also
important to organize like-minded people in your district so several of
you can visit with your representative at the same time.

Spread the word to fellow hobbyists, friends, family, and like-minded
individuals and urge them to respond to this unworkable approach which
is an issue for all of us. Call, email, and fax your local newspapers or
tv stations. We need to get the word out.

More details can be found at the following link on
AC (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/www.aquariacentral.com):
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=188837
AC Petition : http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=86144566696

MFK (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/www.monsterfishkeepers.com):
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230852
MFK Petition :
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230948

A group has also been formed on Facebook at the following -->
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=86144566696


Take the time, show your support, make your voice heard to protect our
hobby.
***************

I got the same messages... I find it hard to believe that this will pass, especially for tropical fish. There are already established lists of "prohibited items. I work for the federal government and we recently had reviews of some of the same "laws" or rules as they are and all they are doing is reviewing and making subtle cahnges. Although I would DEFINATELY contact your representatives, passing this bill would have a huge economic impact on the US economy. That's not in line with Obama's views. That being said, I can't believe that they are trying to fix imported species before they fix the borders! GOOD LORD!

Best wishes to all!

[MRQuad]

i got this message too.. man, this sucks.. :mad::mad:

i hope it's part of the april fool day..:D

[Scribbles]

Thanks for the heads-up. I will definately start contacting my reps. and will spread the word. Definately a case of throwing the baby out with the bath water.

[thebigone]

I have done my part and hope that everyone else can too. Here is the letter that I sent to my representative. We all have to come together on this.


Dear Mr. Brown,


I hope that in all regards that you have some kind of pet(s). I have dogs, and some very nice fish that I would love to keep having and if you support this bill it would be very disturbing to my friends,family and myself. I hope that in everything that comes about you don't take a hobby away from people. Some people don't have kids and their pets are their kids. Why would you want to take somebodies kids away? I can only hope that deep down in your heart you can look at this bill and not support it. Not only would you hurt the people that voted for you but now you are trying to take the jobs and source of income that people have. How can you support something like that when the economy is already in hard times? PLEASE DON'T SUPPORT THIS BILL!

Thanks,
Joshua B. Lindler
Fish hobbyist

Here is the bill that I am talking about.

Please be aware that there is a Congressional Hearing happening on April
23, 2009 which pertains largely to our hobby. This hearing is on the
Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act, HR 669, a bill which wishes
to revamp how species are regulated under the Lacey Act. Species not
appearing on the “Approved List” could not be imported into the United
States; therefore, all unapproved nonnative species could not be moved
interstate. In addition, trade in all such unlisted species would
come to a halt – possession would be limited and all breeding would
cease. Unless those species are included on the approved list import,
export, transport, and breeding would be prohibited. Exceptions are
limited and would not be available to pet owners across the nation.

A HEARING has been scheduled for April 23 and the pet industry needs to
be heard load and clear prior to the hearing! The anti-trade elements
are hard at work to stop activities involving non-native species.

You can contact members of the subcommitte by emailing or faxing your
opposition to HR 669 to their offices in Washington DC urging them to
amend the bill.

[namasgt]

So for example they will make breeding of Discus illegal in the states???

[Absolute Angels]

I would like to add this link to the above....
http://www.govit.com/vote/congress.aspx?bill=2009-hr-669

This is OUR hobby....I don't think they should have total control of it!!! MAKE YOURSELF HEARD!!!!

~Stacy

[mcsinny99]

Another link, I don't know if the powers that be check it, but vote anyway! Everything we can throw at this the better.

[mcsinny99]

Al, can we start an e-petition here on simply? It would be an easy way for people to speak out.

[mcsinny99]

So for example they will make breeding of Discus illegal in the states???

Essentially, yes. If you even kept them you would need a special permit. The way the bill is currently written this site will be simply goldfish.

[kaceyo]

Al, can we start an e-petition here on simply? It would be an easy way for people to speak out.

I think it would be a good idea. Also, someone articulate could write up a letter that we could all copy and send to our various reps in office. That way more people would be likely to participate in sending letters.

Kacey

[Eddie]

I think it would be a good idea. Also, someone articulate could write up a letter that we could all copy and send to our various reps in office. That way more people would be likely to participate in sending letters.

Kacey

Somebody......like Greg Richardson! ;)

I vote Greg! How about it?

Eddie

[cmich]

This is too bad. I hope that everyone does their part to help keep the hobby safe!

Blake

[Santa]

Yea, bad situation overthere. I think that for many species import should be banned-especially the ones that breed easily in same conditions as USA, and could spread easily. Discus is not one of them...

[calihawker]

Yea, bad situation overthere. I think that for many species import should be banned-especially the ones that breed easily in same conditions as USA, and could spread easily. Discus is not one of them...

There's the problem. There isn't enough money anywhere to do the kind of research necessary to determine which species can "easily" spread and be invasive. Can discus survive somewhere in the US? Theoretically yes. Could they be invasive? Common sense says otherwise but those that that write this kind of legislation don't use common sense, instead the bill is written to be all encompasing.

I have posted this over to one of my falconry groups and it has created a bit of a firestorm. This bill could mean an end to our sport. We are a very small group but we ally ourselves with hunting and gun organizations and whether you agree or disagree with guns and hunting, it's a powerful lobby and it will be on our side.



Steve

[DiscusChris]

so what would happen to everyone keeping fish now?

(f) Animals Owned Lawfully Prior to Prohibition of Importation- This Act and regulations issued under this Act shall not interfere with the ability of any person to possess an individual animal of any species if such individual animal was legally owned by the person before the risk assessment is begun pursuant to subsection (e)(3), even if such species is later prohibited from being imported under the regulations issued under this Act.

This is helpful, if they arent going to remove newly banned animals from their current owners, maybe they wont ban the breeding of previously owned species.

[kaceyo]

This is helpful, if they arent going to remove newly banned animals from their current owners, maybe they wont ban the breeding of previously owned species.

It only said you would be able to keep the animals you already own. It doesn't say you would be able to breed it, sell offspring or do anything other than watch your collection slowly disapear as each one dies.
Not good!

Kacey

[mcsinny99]

It also says individual animal. I don't know of many people with one discus.

[casw]

I emailed my congressman and will be taking more steps where I can. I hope people take this seriously!

[Mike_Murry]

BUMP!!!!!!!!!

[Ed13]

Weren't there 17 billion dollars(can't remember the exact figure but it was more then $1 billion;)) generated by the pet industry in 2008? Maybe mentioning that to the voting congressmen! You'll see how fast they forget about it!;)

Ok, on a more serious note you can also mention how this would impact negatively the native species like Al mentioned and promote contraband and illegal handling of species to the dubious of character resulting in more mishandling of animals as well as more than likely getting tied up to the drug trafficking and other illegal activities. Not to mention the millions of dollars and time on resources gone to establish and enforce what this bill proposes as well as the loss of jobs in an already struggling economy.

My representative doesn't have vote so not much I can do.

I also can't disregard the intentions of this bill, that while good are poorly understood and would be harsly implemented, since PRs flora and fauna have been ravished by introduced species that find suitable environment to thrive, little competition, and few predators. However, not all of those species have been introduced by hobbyist, but rather the gov itself i.e. plecos, Oscar, Peacock bass and allegedly Red Tailed catfish mostly to "clean" or for recreational purposes like angling

[brewmaster15]

I've been sending my representatives my views...Please everyone do the same... This law reaches across state lines...so don't be afraid to hound any legislative members in states other than yours.

Heres what I have been sending...Its a compilation of my views and others.... feel free to cut and paste it and make it your own if that helps make your task easier....but do send it and take action.


I am writing to urge you NOT to support bill H.R. 669 in any shape or form.

This bill means well but is not acceptable in its goals and poorly defined but broad scope. It will severely hamper the pet industry in the USA, and will affect the livelihoods of many involved in this industry from importers to wholesales all the way to everyday tax paying Hobbyists.

Upon reading this bill its clear that it targets every group of animals from fish, invertebrates and reptiles on up and seeks to control their import, interstate travel and commerce. It also seeks control on their breeding. As currently proposed this bill will potentially effect Millions and Millions of Americans Negatively.

The Bill is designed to give the Government Control over this industry yet does not define specifically any species it covers, except to indicate that they will determine that latter. That is unacceptable and obviously this bill has not been backed up with science as to which species should be covered.

Preventing invasive species requires education and in depth scientific research on which species possess a problem...It can't be solved by blanket bans on massive numbers of living species, most of which are harmless.

Historically most invasive species were introduced intentionally by well meaning (government) programs or people poorly educated in the risks of this....other cases include accidental releases thru interstate and global commerce....an aspect that will not be affected by this current bill..


There is no question that preventing problematic nonnative invasive species is important to protect humans and agriculture and the environment, but this bill goes much too far.

HR 669 will adversely affect millions of pet owners in the US! Most pet birds, ornamental aquarium fishes, reptiles and small pet mammals are nonnative species.

This bill approaches the matter as if ALL nonnative species were a problem.


There has to be a better way to prevent nonnative invasive species from harming the US. Improving present law enforcement of the Lacey Act could make a big difference.


What would be the likely result of such a law? Would people release these creatures because they didn't want to be discovered with them? They could not sell them, or give them away! The unintended consequences of this bill could be more dangerous than the present situation.


I am also very concerned that the goal of protecting native species from invasive ones will have the unintended negative effect of increasing pressures on the local wildlife to support The local pet industry once it gets hard to obtain other species..

Please vote NO on HR 669. This is an ill conceived law with terrible consequences for millions of US citizens who own or breed nonnative pets that presently pose NO problem to the US.

This issue is extremely important to me and Millions like me.. We urge you to not support this legislation in any way.

[Eddie]

Thanks Al!

Eddie

[Kenny's Discus]

A job well done and thank you Al!

Kenny

[terps]

I've been sending my representatives my views...Please everyone do the same... This law reaches across state lines...so don't be afraid to hound any legislative members in states other than yours.

Heres what I have been sending...Its a compilation of my views and others.... feel free to cut and paste it and make it your own if that helps make your task easier....but do send it and take action.


I am writing to urge you NOT to support bill H.R. 669 in any shape or form.

This bill means well but is not acceptable in its goals and poorly defined but broad scope. It will severely hamper the pet industry in the USA, and will affect the livelihoods of many involved in this industry from importers to wholesales all the way to everyday tax paying Hobbyists.

Upon reading this bill its clear that it targets every group of animals from fish, invertebrates and reptiles on up and seeks to control their import, interstate travel and commerce. It also seeks control on their breeding. As currently proposed this bill will potentially effect Millions and Millions of Americans Negatively.

The Bill is designed to give the Government Control over this industry yet does not define specifically any species it covers, except to indicate that they will determine that latter. That is unacceptable and obviously this bill has not been backed up with science as to which species should be covered.

Preventing invasive species requires education and in depth scientific research on which species possess a problem...It can't be solved by blanket bans on massive numbers of living species, most of which are harmless.

Historically most invasive species were introduced intentionally by well meaning (government) programs or people poorly educated in the risks of this....other cases include accidental releases thru interstate and global commerce....an aspect that will not be affected by this current bill..


There is no question that preventing problematic nonnative invasive species is important to protect humans and agriculture and the environment, but this bill goes much too far.

HR 669 will adversely affect millions of pet owners in the US! Most pet birds, ornamental aquarium fishes, reptiles and small pet mammals are nonnative species.

This bill approaches the matter as if ALL nonnative species were a problem.


There has to be a better way to prevent nonnative invasive species from harming the US. Improving present law enforcement of the Lacey Act could make a big difference.


What would be the likely result of such a law? Would people release these creatures because they didn't want to be discovered with them? They could not sell them, or give them away! The unintended consequences of this bill could be more dangerous than the present situation.


I am also very concerned that the goal of protecting native species from invasive ones will have the unintended negative effect of increasing pressures on the local wildlife to support The local pet industry once it gets hard to obtain other species..

Please vote NO on HR 669. This is an ill conceived law with terrible consequences for millions of US citizens who own or breed nonnative pets that presently pose NO problem to the US.

This issue is extremely important to me and Millions like me.. We urge you to not support this legislation in any way.



Al, you might want to send a global instant message on this subject to everybody on Simply Discus. Not everybody will read this thread.

I'll be sending emails to my representatives as well later today.

[kirkp]

not sure if anyone has seen this link but it has some good info as well as some good links to follow up with.

Kirk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FPfL212CB8

[susantroy1]

Hey, you all know you can Trust your Government to do the right thing...................



Just ask any Native American Indian


All The Best

Troy

[GrillMaster]

Dont know how I missed this thread!!

I read the bill proposal and it looks to me as though Discus wouldn't really fall into this catagory...

"To prevent the introduction and establishment of nonnative wildlife species that negatively impact the economy, environment, or other animal species’ or human health, and for other purposes."

If you are looking into it farther than Discus then you might have some issues worth addressing.

[KDodds]

Read on to the definitions of what do and do not constitute banned and acceptable species. There is a 36 month period to which species can be added to the current list, after that, fat chance. Found a new discus subspecies? Tough luck, not on the allowed list. Species gets renamed, tough luck, not on the allowed list. Who here trusts the Secretary of the Interior to be able to name all of the thousands of species that are kept as pets or ornamental plants? And what if you have one of those oddball species? And you're breeding them? What happens if YOUR specific discus regional variant becomes a full subspecies? What are you going to do with all of those babies? Any trade, possession, etc., would be illegal. They're not banning specific species, they're allowing for a disallowed and allowed list. Anything that is not on either list is disallowed.

[brewmaster15]

This is the week...act now!

-al

[KDodds]

I, and every voting age member of my household, hard signed a petition this w/e at the herp show in NY. Hopefully, this one gets shifted right to the bottom of the file for future filing under "G".

[yogi]

I received this response to a group email I sent out last night. Looks like some really good news.

Hi Jerry,

I talked to Ted Judy tonight about this bill. The WI rep is withdrawing from it.

There is virtually no chance HR 669 will get out of committee. A much easier-to-take similar bill last year was also killed off quickly.

This was introduced by the rep from Guam who is actually non-voting.

Rick

[Eddie]

Thats very promising news Jerry, really appreciate the update. Thanks


Take care,

Eddie

[thebigone]

I received this response to a group email I sent out last night. Looks like some really good news.

Hi Jerry,

I talked to Ted Judy tonight about this bill. The WI rep is withdrawing from it.

There is virtually no chance HR 669 will get out of committee. A much easier-to-take similar bill last year was also killed off quickly.

This was introduced by the rep from Guam who is actually non-voting.

Rick

That is some good news but you still never know until it is over. We can only hope and pray for the best!