Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. I and the staff at ThatFishPlace/ThatPetPlace recently asked for your help in preventing the passage of House Resolution 669, the “Non-Native Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act”.  This resolution, if passed by Congress as originally proposed, would have severely limited and/or banned the keeping of nearly every species of non-native animal, destroying hobbies, careers and businesses in the process.

Good News

I am happy to report that there is cause for cautious optimism, and I would like to thank all of you who took the time to learn more about this issue, and to email and write in on our http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatfishblog/2009/04/15/hr-669-the-nonnative-wildlife-invasion-protection-act/”>HR 669 blog to register your opposition and concerns.

 

Pet Owners Leave Their Mark

Marshall Meyers, General Counsel and CEO of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, who testified before Congress on behalf of the pet industry, reports that subcommittee members were very impressed by the magnitude and intensity of the protests registered by pet owners.  Comments ranged from “I’ve not seen a response of such magnitude in 30 years” to “The pet owners’ campaign hit us like a buzz saw.”  Even the proposal’s author and most ardent supporter, Congresswomen Bordallo of Guam, acknowledged that the bill was problematical as written and needed revision in order to address pet industry and pet owner concerns. 

 

Congrats from Congress

Members of the congressional subcommittee, citing the importance of constituent input in such matters, congratulated the pet industry for organizing such a rapid and effective information campaign. 

 We at ThatFishPlace/ThatPetPlace are proud to have been a part of this effort, and are grateful to our readers and customers for taking up the cause.  We will keep you advised of the bill’s progress and request your aid again if need be.  With all the disheartening news we hear concerning politics and politicians, it’s nice to see that, at least this time, the system worked as designed.

Another Resolution of Concern: HR 2811

As originally proposed, House Resolution 2811 sought to ban, in varying degrees, the importation, sale and keeping of all pythons. 

However, its text has now been limited in scope, and is applicable only to Burmese and African rock pythons.  Still open is the question of allowing established businesses which breed these species to remain in operation.  The resolution is on hold until the end of the August, 2009 congressional recess, after which we will monitor its progress and report back.

Further Reading

You can read the entire text of these and related congressional resolutions, and follow their progress, at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-669.

 

Thanks again! Please write in with your questions and comments.  Until next time, Frank Indiviglio.

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