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The United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) is the leading organization defending against Lacey Act amendments. As a 501(c)(6) non-profit group, USARK is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of responsible reptile owners through education, litigation, and conservation efforts. Serving as the voice of the industry, USARK advocates for the responsible private ownership and trade of reptiles and amphibians across the nation.
USARK’s Mission
“USARK is a science, education, and conservation-based advocacy group promoting responsible private ownership and trade of reptiles and amphibians. We support proper caging standards, sound husbandry practices, escape prevention protocols, and a comprehensive approach to critical conservation issues. Our goal is to foster collaboration between government agencies, the scientific community, and the private sector to develop effective policies addressing important husbandry and conservation concerns. The well-being of these animals, public safety, and preservation of ecological integrity are our top priorities.”
Urgent Action Needed! You Can Make a Difference!
Join and Support USARK Today!
USARK Website: https://usark.org/
USARK Memberships: https://usark.org/memberships/
Alerts: https://usark.org/alerts/
Lacey Act Pages: https://usark.org/2022lacey/
Contact Your Representatives: https://usark.org/calltoaction/
What’s Happening?
Currently, USARK is fighting to protect the rights of hobbyists and breeders who keep reptiles, amphibians, and other animals. Specifically, USARK is working to negotiate laws that would broadly ban animal transportation, known as a “whitelist” versus a “blacklist”, which only bans select species of concern.
Pangea and USARK
- Pangea has been a long-time supporter of USARK and is a Gold Member.
- You can help support USARK by applying for a membership through this link: https://usark.org/memberships/
- At Pangea, we strive to raise awareness and will be including postcards that can be mailed to your Senator or Representative with every order (while supplies last).
- Pangea is hosting a fundraiser where 10% of profits from orders placed on the website between June 24th, 2022 – June 30th, 2022 will be donated to USARK.
- During this time, Pangea will also be giving away FREE T-shirts to randomly selected winners.
About Lacey Act Amendments
Below are some key questions related to Lacey Act amendments and USARK’s responses.
Q: Which animals are affected?
This could impact almost any species of animal. Species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates could be listed/affected. The only species that would be exempt from these Lacey Act amendments are common, domesticated animals such as dogs, cats, and traditional livestock.
Q: What does it do?
In summary:
- A ban on interstate transportation and importation of all species currently listed as “injurious” would be enacted, even for species that cannot survive in most of the U.S. (Note: importation is currently banned.)
- A new “emergency designation” could be granted, allowing species to be classified as “injurious” without due process, justification, or prior notice.
- Only a limited number of species named to a “white list” (not yet determined) would be allowed to enter the U.S.
Q: What is the white list?
A white list is the opposite of a black list, or ban list. Typically, bills include black/ban lists of species that state which species are not allowed. A white list includes the species that are allowed. If a species is not on the white list, then it is not allowed. In this case, the white list will determine which species can be imported into the U.S.
Q: What species are on the white list?
There is no compiled white list at this time. It will only be created if the amendments pass. No one knows which species will make the white list. All we know is that a species must have been imported or transported interstate in “more than minimal quantities” within the one-year period prior to the enactment date to even be considered for the white list.
Q: How will FWS create the white list? (FWS = U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
Only species that were imported or transported interstate in “minimal quantities” during the one-year period prior to enactment will be potential candidates for the white list. FWS must define minimal quantities within one year after enactment.
Q: What data will FWS use to create the white list?
We do not know. This is a major problem. For example, FWS does not have accurate or sufficient data on the number of animals being imported or transported interstate. This lack of data could result in many species being excluded from the white list, even if they are not a threat to the environment or public safety.
The Impact of the America COMPETES Act on the Reptile and Amphibian Trade
The America COMPETES Act, also known as HR4521, has been a topic of concern for the reptile and amphibian trade. This bill aims to improve America’s economic strength in the technology fields, but it also includes amendments to the Lacey Act that could have a significant impact on the trade of certain species. In this article, we will discuss the potential effects of this bill and what it means for the future of the reptile and amphibian trade.
What is the America COMPETES Act?
The America COMPETES Act, or HR4521, is a bill that was introduced in the House of Representatives in 2021. Its primary goal is to improve America’s economic competitiveness in the technology fields, but it also includes amendments to the Lacey Act, a federal law that regulates the import and interstate transport of certain species.
Under the current Lacey Act, species listed as injurious are banned from being imported into the United States or transported across state lines. However, the new amendments in HR4521 would give the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) the power to list species as injurious without due process, meaning the listing would take effect immediately upon publication in the Federal Register. This could have significant consequences for the reptile and amphibian trade.
What are the potential effects on the reptile and amphibian trade?
If the amendments in HR4521 are passed, it could have a major impact on the reptile and amphibian trade. Here are some potential effects:
- Ban on interstate transport: The most significant impact would be the ban on interstate transport of species listed as injurious. This means that even if a species is legal to own in one state, it would be illegal to transport it across state lines. This could greatly limit the availability of certain species and make it difficult for breeders and hobbyists to acquire new bloodlines.
- Restrictions on ownership: While the federal law would not ban ownership of injurious species, individual states could choose to do so. This could lead to a patchwork of state laws, making it difficult for owners to keep track of which species are legal in which states.
- Impact on military members: Military service members who are frequently relocated would be particularly affected by this bill. They would not be allowed to take their pets with them when they move to a new state, even if the species is legal in both states.
- Increased costs and regulations: The new amendments could also lead to increased costs and regulations for breeders and sellers. They may need to obtain permits or licenses to transport or sell certain species, which could be time-consuming and expensive.
What is the current status of the bill?
As of March 2022, HR4521 has passed the House of Representatives and is now being reconciled with a similar bill in the Senate, S1260. The reconciled bill will then need to be voted on by both the House and the Senate before it can be signed into law by the President.
It is important to note that the goal of this bill is not to ban the reptile and amphibian trade, but rather to improve America’s economic strength in the technology fields. However, the amendments to the Lacey Act could have unintended consequences for the trade of certain species.
What can be done to protect the reptile and amphibian trade?
There are several steps that can be taken to protect the reptile and amphibian trade from the potential effects of HR4521:
- Stay informed: Keep up-to-date on the status of the bill and any changes that may occur. Follow reputable sources for accurate information.
- Contact your representatives: Reach out to your representatives in Congress and express your concerns about the potential impact of this bill on the reptile and amphibian trade.
- Support organizations: Support organizations that are actively working to protect the reptile and amphibian trade, such as the United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK).
Conclusion
The America COMPETES Act has the potential to significantly impact the reptile and amphibian trade. While the goal of the bill is not to ban the trade, the amendments to the Lacey Act could have unintended consequences. It is important for those in the trade to stay informed and take action to protect their interests and the future of the hobby.
How to Effectively Communicate with Your Legislators
As concerned citizens, it is important to communicate with our legislators about issues that are important to us. This can be a daunting task, but it is crucial in order to make our voices heard and influence change. Here are some tips on how to effectively communicate with your legislators:
1. Know who your legislators are
Before reaching out to your legislators, make sure you know who they are. You can find this information by visiting the official website of your state or federal government. You can also use online tools such as GovTrack or USA.gov to find your representatives.
2. Use the appropriate channels
There are various ways to communicate with your legislators, such as email, phone calls, letters, and social media. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that works best for you. For example, email and social media are quick and easy, but they may not be as effective as a phone call or a handwritten letter.
3. Be polite and professional
When communicating with your legislators, it is important to be respectful and professional. Avoid using aggressive or offensive language, as this can harm your credibility and make it less likely for your message to be taken seriously. Remember, your goal is to persuade, not to attack.
4. Be clear and concise
Legislators are busy people, so it is important to get straight to the point. Be clear and concise in your message, and avoid rambling or going off on tangents. State your position and provide supporting evidence or personal anecdotes to back it up.
5. Personalize your message
Form letters or emails may be convenient, but they are not as effective as personalized messages. Take the time to write your own message, and make it personal by sharing your own experiences or how the issue affects you. This will make your message more impactful and memorable.
6. Offer solutions
Don’t just complain about a problem, offer solutions. Legislators are more likely to take action if you provide them with concrete ideas on how to address the issue. Do your research and come up with practical and feasible solutions that can be implemented.
7. Follow up
After you have communicated with your legislators, follow up with them to see if they have taken any action on the issue. This shows that you are committed and passionate about the issue, and it also keeps the conversation going.
8. Get others involved
One voice can make a difference, but a group of voices can make an even bigger impact. Encourage your friends, family, and community to also reach out to their legislators about the issue. This will show that there is widespread support for the cause and increase the chances of it being addressed.
Conclusion
Communicating with your legislators may seem intimidating, but it is an important part of being an active and engaged citizen. By following these tips, you can effectively communicate your concerns and influence change in your community and beyond.
Paraphrased:
The article discusses the Lacey Act amendments, which were recently added to the America COMPETES Act. These amendments aim to regulate the importation and transportation of wild animals, including their offspring and eggs. Many people are confused about the language used in the amendments, thinking that it only applies to wild animals, but in reality, it applies to all species.
The effective date of these amendments is one year after the date of enactment. Many animal groups, including USARK, are opposing these amendments, but some animal rights groups are supporting them. These groups often spread misinformation to gain support for their agenda.
The full text of the amendments can be found in Section 71102 of HR4521, which is the same as S626. Despite claims that the amendments were removed from the final version of HR4521, they can still be found on page 2,060 of the 3,610-page bill.
Some people believe that their species will be exempt from these amendments because they are already being imported or traded, but this is not the case. Only species that have been imported in “minimal quantities” within the past year will be considered for the new importation white list. However, even if a species qualifies, it does not guarantee that it will be added to the list.
It is important to note that these amendments will not only affect wild-caught animals, but also those bred under human care. It also does not matter if the animal has a wild-type coloration or a “morph” pattern/coloration. The only thing that matters is the species of the animal.
Some people may be confused about the legislative process and the involvement of different political parties. While HR4521 did pass along party lines, S626 is sponsored by a Republican. It is also important to note that states cannot overturn or oppose these amendments if they are passed.
In conclusion, it is crucial to stay informed about these amendments and their potential impact on the trade and transportation of animals. It is also important to be aware of the misinformation being spread by some animal rights groups and to advocate for the protection of all species, not just those that are currently popular in the pet trade.”Minimizing the Impact of the Lacey Act Amendments on the Reptile Industry”
The Lacey Act Amendments, also known as HR4521, have caused concern among the reptile industry due to their potential impact on the importation and transportation of certain species. While the intention of the amendments is to prevent the spread of invasive species, there are concerns that the language of the bill could have unintended consequences for the reptile trade.
One of the main issues with the Lacey Act Amendments is the definition of “greater than minimal quantities.” This term is not clearly defined and could potentially be interpreted in different ways by different agencies. This lack of clarity could lead to confusion and uncertainty for those involved in the reptile industry.
Additionally, even if a species is already well-represented in the market, it could still be listed as injurious under the Lacey Act Amendments. This has already been seen in some cases, and there is no exemption that automatically protects a species from being listed. Furthermore, there is often insufficient data available for many species, making it difficult to accurately assess their potential for invasiveness.
One question that has been raised is whether a species can be included on the “white list” (a list of species deemed safe for importation) even if it is not imported in greater than minimal quantities. The answer is yes, but it is a lengthy and costly process that must be initiated by the appropriate industry or businesses. The Secretary of the Department of the Interior (under which the Fish and Wildlife Service falls) has the authority to add a species to the white list if it is determined that the species does not pose a significant risk of invasiveness to the United States. This means that the species cannot be invasive anywhere in the country, and research findings (funded by the industry) must support this claim. However, if opposing parties conduct their own research that contradicts this finding, the FWS may choose either side as the basis for their ruling.
It is important to note that the Lacey Act Amendments do not only apply to high-risk invasive species. There have already been listings for species that may have the potential to become invasive, as well as listings for reasons other than invasive potential.
There has been some confusion about the interpretation of the Lacey Act Amendments, with some believing that if a species is not on the white or black list (deemed injurious), it can be transported across state lines. However, the text of the bill clearly states that the white list only applies to importation. It is possible that states may choose to ban species that are not on the FWS white list, and the FWS could also list any species not on the white list as injurious through their emergency designation. This could create a constant state of uncertainty for species not on the white list, as they could potentially be listed as injurious at any time.
If you have received a response from your legislator stating their support for the Lacey Act Amendments, it is important to carefully read the response. Many legislators have automatic reply emails, and it is possible that they may not have fully understood the implications of the bill. It is also acceptable to continue to educate your legislators on the issue, as they may not have a thorough understanding of the topic due to their involvement in multiple issues.
There has been some confusion about whether the Lacey Act Amendments only apply to minks and mink farming. While there is an amendment to HR4521 that specifically bans the import, export, and transportation of minks, this is separate from the Lacey Act Amendments that are of concern to the reptile industry. The mink ban was added as an amendment on the House floor, while the Lacey Act Amendments were introduced as part of the America COMPETES Act.
In conclusion, the Lacey Act Amendments have the potential to greatly impact the reptile industry, but there are steps that can be taken to minimize their impact. It is important for those involved in the industry to stay informed and to continue to educate legislators on the potential consequences of the bill. By joining and supporting organizations like USARK, we can work together to protect the reptile trade and ensure that the Lacey Act Amendments do not have unintended consequences.
I’m with you! Let’s protect our rights and stand up against any threats to our freedom. #USARKStrong