The
Southern Appalachian
Herpetological Society

North Carolina is forming a new bill that would prohibit residents of the state from keeping various exotic animals that it deems "dangerous"...

including any boid with the *potential* to exceed eight feet in length. This would not only include the obvious Burms, Retics, African Rocks and Anacondas, but also common Columbian Boas, Dumerils Boas, Carpet Pythons, Boelens Pythons, etc. This is quite upsetting especially since it is common knowledge that the overwheming majority of these snakes pose no threat to a human life.

This bill is remarkably similar to the recent bill in New York, which, before it became law was modified to allow a few of the aforementioned species, such as the common Boas, Carpet Pythons, and certain Monitors.

It is vitally important that the reptile community band together and let our opinions be heard.

You can join the new
North Carolina Association of Reptile Breeders and Keepers

This is an organization designed to unite and protect the NC reptile community. We plan to create a website with professional and informative reptile related articles, news and interactive forums. Our goal is to keep everyone in touch and informed regarding local issues, as well as induce an atmosphere where the advanced keepers can help mentor novice keepers. For details you can contact Andrew Wyatt at 252-207-1041, or email dtate@mchsi.com

Join the North Carolina Association of Reptile Keepers!
http://www.ncark.org/

You can read Senate Bill 1032 here:

http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2005/Bills/Senate/HTML/S1032v0.html

You can voice opposition to Senate Bill 1032

by writing or emailing the Bill Sponsor:

Senator John A. Garwood
1118 Legislative Building, Raleigh, NC, 27601-2808
919-733-5742
email: Johnga@ncleg.net

When you make contact, please be polite, rational, calm and respectful. Rudeness will likely get your letter/email tossed.

Request that if the bill must go through for the sake of exotic mammals (tigers, lions, bears, etc.) that the bill be reworded so that harmless boids over 8 feet are not lumped in and banned along with them.

Letters to the others on the committee would also be helpful.
The Members of the Judiciary II Committee are:

Senator A.B. Swindell - email: abs@ncleg.net
Senator Austin Allran - email: Austina@ncleg.net
Senator Bob Atwater - email: Boba@ncleg.net
Senator Charlie Dannelly - email: Charlied@ncleg.net
Senator Doug Berger - email: Dougb@ncleg.net
Senator Eleanor Kinnaird - email: Elliek@ncleg.net
Senator Fletcher Hartsell, Jr. - email: Fletcherh@ncleg.net
Senator Hugh Webster - email: Hughw@ncleg.net
Senator James Forrester - email: Jamesf@ncleg.net
Senator Jim Jacumin - email: Jimja@ncleg.net
Senator John Kerr III - email: Johnk@ncleg.net
Senator John Snow - email: Johnsn@ncleg.net
Senator Katie Dorsett - email: Katied@ncleg.net
Senator Malcolm Graham - email: Malcolmg@ncleg.net
Senator Robert Holloman - email: Robertho@ncleg.net
Senator Scott Thomas - email: scottt@ncleg.net
Senator Stan Bingham - email: stanb@ncleg.net
Senator Tom Apodaca - email: Toma@ncleg.net
Senator W. Eddie Goodall - email: Eddieg@ncleg.net
Senator Walter Dalton - email: Walterd@ncleg.net

If you prefer to write a snailmail letter, the address is:

Senator ______
North Carolina General Assembly
Legislative Building
16 West Jones Street
Raleigh, NC 27603

Thanks for any assistance you can offer.

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