Matthew
On April 23, 2009, the United States Congress will be conducting a hearing and voting on proposed legislature introduced by the Non-Native Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act, H.R. 669. This bill must not pass, and we must take action ASAP.
What is H.R. 669?
Essentially, H.R. 669 will cause the banning of non-native species in the pet trade, which includes all birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and other pet mammals including hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, ferrets, and other commonly kept animals that are not native to the USA. If this bill passes, it will be up to the general public to prove that keeping these animals will not endanger the environment. H.R. 669 is vague and ambiguous in its content, and does not provide specific determination to establish which non-native animal species are considered potentially harmful to our ecosystem. Furthermore, it would be difficult to determine which species would prove a potential risk in varying geographical regions. H.R 669 overly simplifies a very complex issue.
While the majority of citizens that keep non-native species as pets are responsible and conscientious, this bill would certainly not be effective in controlling the illegal pet trade. We cannot allow legislation of this nature to dictate our lives and businesses, especially in a declining economy. It is imperative that bills like this do not become law.
What can we do to stop H.R. 669?
We can start by writing, emailing, or calling the Members of the Subcommittee, and our own District Congress Representatives. We need to respectfully voice our opinions, and urge them to vote against passing the bill. Tell them how you feel about this legislature, and how it would impact your lives and the lives of other US citizens. Remind them that there are organizations and websites dedicated to educating the public about the responsibility of keeping non-native animals.
More information
For more information on H.R. 669, please visit the PIJAC (Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council) website at: http://www.pijac.org., where you will also find the list of Subcommittee State Representatives of the House Committee on Natural Resources who will be attending the hearing and voting on April 23, 2009.
HELP STOP H.R. 669!!! This post was written by Marcia of Golden Gate Geckos. Thank you, Marcia!
If you take the time to write a hand written letter to your representative, it’s more effective than an email or even a typed letter. Congressmen are more likely to read it because it looks like you put more effort into it. Studies show that its the most effective way of communication with representatives.
Please join me in opposing, H.R. 669, the Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act. This Bill is being advanced by powerful special interest groups and creates an unworkable process which is designed to fail. The government simply does not have the resources to evaluate the thousands of nonnative species already in this country for years and meet the unrealistic listing criteria and timeframes in the law, and such a process is unnecessary for controlling truly invasive species. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that banning the import, sale, and trade of the vast majority of these animals will have any positive effect on the economy, environment, or human or animal species’ health. In fact, if passed as drafted, H.R. 669 would destroy many families and businesses. It would have a decidedly negative impact on an already ailing economy by destroying a vital and growing industry at a time when our country is in need of jobs and growth.
Pet lovers such as myself support a legislative solution that targets species which may actually be invasive, rather than every species not originally native to the U.S., including thousands of species that have been in this country for decades without adverse impact. This Bill is a disaster to American business owners as well as pet owners who care deeply about their pets and face having to dispose of them because of a flawed law.
To oppose HR669 go to http://www.nohr669.com