Action Alert: Proposed Nevada bill to ban the public possession of exotic animals

From Ken Foose of Exotic Pets in Las Vegas, Nev., an update on efforts to ban exotic pet ownership in the state:

After meeting with members of the HSUS and some Nevada senators on Friday, we now have a bit of new information to give. We have been told by a member of HSUS that the bill will be introduced next Wednesday, March 13. The HSUS has to rush, because they only have until March 18 to get the bill introduced, or they miss the deadline and it just goes away. None of this information is etched in stone, so please bear that in mind. The first stop for this bill will be the Senate Natural Resources committee in Carson City. This committee is made up of 5 people, 3 Democrats and 2 Republicans. Both of the Republicans are going to vote against any regulations that will be proposed. Two of the Democrats are going to vote to ban exotics. That leaves us with one swing vote, a Democrat in Las Vegas by the name of Aaron Ford. If we can get Senator Ford, or even one of the other two Democrats to vote against this bill, it's over and we win. It's that simple. Senator Mark Manendo is a co-sponsor of the bill, so talking him out of supporting his own bill is moot. However, there is Tick Segerblom, also of Las Vegas, who might be turned. We should explore all avenues. Here's how I think this is going to work. The bill will be introduced next Wednesday. It will then be scheduled to go before the committee. They will have a hearing and will vote up or down. If it is voted down, it's over, we win. If it's voted up, it will move on to the Nevada Assembly for another vote in their Natural Resources committee. If it passes, it will go to the floor of the Nevada Congress for a vote. If it passes it goes before the Governor to be signed. We need to stop this bill NOW, while it's only in the hands of 5 people, two of which are on our side. Here's a list of the committee members: Aaron D. Ford - Chair