here is a clear violation of the lacy act
The shipper was zooalogical based in miami fl
see if anythings done if not everyone can ship hots UPS
There has been no retraction!
THE TRIBUNE (Bismark, N Dakota) 09 July 04 Next time, try a dog or cat instead (Frederic Smith)
What gets into some people? Last week, two young Bismarck men were arrested for keeping four deadly snakes in their apartment. "I live near the hospital, so I wasn't worried," said one. Police, more worried about their neighbors, slapped the men with a charge of reckless endangerment.
The incident recalls the Bismarck man of a few years ago whose apartment mate was an adult bobcat. Neighbors complained -- go figure -- when they discovered the cat roaming the hallways.
In the present case, some would give the men credit for having checked state law and finding no prohibition of poisonous snakes. They never thought to check for the city ordinance against "dangerous animals." But who with the sense he was born with needs a law or an ordinance? One of the men disputed the police contention that his death adder and East African green mamba were No. 10 and 11 on the most-dangerous list.
They're No. 2 and 3, he said, proudly.
People are getting into trouble all the time for ownership of inappropriate animals and too many animals. Remember the Sykeston man on whose farm officers seized three bobcat-sized African wildcats -- along with 38 hunting dogs, 47 birds, two hedgehogs, 51 Asian flying squirrels and a gecko, all suffering from neglect?
Not that people are lacking for encouragement of their peculiar tastes. Why federal law doesn't have more to say about the companies that supply these "exotic" pets -- including the baby alligators that are so popular back East -- is an enduring mystery.
The Florida company that furnished three of the deadly Bismarck snakes shipped them UPS. Does the law care about that? If not, why not? And were the various UPS employees along the line made aware of what they were handling?
It remains true that, if you're going to have a pet, a dog or cat is probably challenging enough. They are deep and remarkable companions that reward years of cultivation, and it's hard to imagine the person who has really got to the bottom of them and requires the stimulation of a poisonous snake, wildcat or alligator.
At the same time, the dog and cat weren't domesticated thousands of years ago for nothing; they've had so much practice being around people and around the house that it's in their genes.
In a word, they're appropriate, where the poisonous snake, wildcat or alligator is not. It's not a subtle or difficult distinction, but one that, alas, is still lost on some people.
Next time, try a dog or cat instead
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