is usark over stepping its rights by proposing rules for states without asking us

i recently got an email from usark and was concerned with a paragraph in it.

USARK rejects the designation of "Dangerous" to describe to any reptile. We understand that there are occupational risks involved in the captive husbandry of the largest examples of five large snake species, and venomous reptiles. It is the position of USARK that only experienced and serious keepers should work with these animals. However, it is important to consider that there is no evidence to suggest that these risks are any greater than those associated with working with other traditional types of livestock or pets - indeed, the measurable risk is significantly less. USARK has developed model legislation that can be enacted at the state level to ensure that keepers working with certain reptiles adhere to strict caging standards, safety protocols, escape prevention plans, registration and micro-chipping.

the part that bothers me is not so much the pending legislation that i have yet to even hear about but the part about usark setting up (model legislation that can be enacted at the state level to ensure that keepers working with certain reptiles adhere to strict caging standards, safety protocols, escape prevention plans, registration and micro-chipping.)

1. i havnt heard of any new legislation for reptiles in PA

2. im not aware of usark contacting anyone in the hobby in PA in regards to setting up rules for keeping their animals.

3. i was told usark contacted PA government and told them that PA needs rules and regulations

i guess my question is what gives usark the right to come to my state and suggest imposing rules and regulations without first discussing them with the the people in the industry that live in the state where said rules would be imposed?

i also heard usark set up the rules for NC and i was wondering if i could get that information and look it over since im guessing it will be similar to that usark is suggesting PA should do.

im not trying to start a war here but i do feel that its wrong for any organization to represent an entire state without first consulting the people the rules will affect.

another thing that bothers me is whenever there is money involved the possibility for corruption gos up dramatically. now im not accusing usark of anything but i would like to point out if all the anti reptile legislation went away so would all the money there getting to fight it plus as far as i know there has been no disclosure on their part showing where all the money is going.


thank you
rodney boalich

Originally Posted by rodneynboalich

i recently got an email from usark and was concerned with a paragraph in it.

USARK rejects the designation of "Dangerous" to describe to any reptile. We understand that there are occupational risks involved in the captive husbandry of the largest examples of five large snake species, and venomous reptiles. It is the position of USARK that only experienced and serious keepers should work with these animals. However, it is important to consider that there is no evidence to suggest that these risks are any greater than those associated with working with other traditional types of livestock or pets - indeed, the measurable risk is significantly less. USARK has developed model legislation that can be enacted at the state level to ensure that keepers working with certain reptiles adhere to strict caging standards, safety protocols, escape prevention plans, registration and micro-chipping.

the part that bothers me is not so much the pending legislation that i have yet to even hear about but the part about usark setting up (model legislation that can be enacted at the state level to ensure that keepers working with certain reptiles adhere to strict caging standards, safety protocols, escape prevention plans, registration and micro-chipping.)

1. i havnt heard of any new legislation for reptiles in PA

2. im not aware of usark contacting anyone in the hobby in PA in regards to setting up rules for keeping their animals.

3. i was told usark contacted PA government and told them that PA needs rules and regulations

i guess my question is what gives usark the right to come to my state and suggest imposing rules and regulations without first discussing them with the the people in the industry that live in the state where said rules would be imposed?

i also heard usark set up the rules for NC and i was wondering if i could get that information and look it over since im guessing it will be similar to that usark is suggesting PA should do.

im not trying to start a war here but i do feel that its wrong for any organization to represent an entire state without first consulting the people the rules will affect.

another thing that bothers me is whenever there is money involved the possibility for corruption gos up dramatically. now im not accusing usark of anything but i would like to point out if all the anti reptile legislation went away so would all the money there getting to fight it plus as far as i know there has been no disclosure on their part showing where all the money is going.


thank you
rodney boalich

Told by whom and heard what exactly? No this isn't the BOI, however if you're going to make claims of these actions, you should at least tell the whole story

a friend of mine told me about usark contacting the PA government. i have no proof of that nor did i claim to. the main issue is that usark is setting up rules for states to enact without talking to the hobbyist in the states first. its right here

USARK has developed model legislation that can be enacted at the state level to ensure that keepers working with certain reptiles adhere to strict caging standards, safety protocols, escape prevention plans, registration and micro-chipping.

this is right from the email i got today
and the micro shipping thing is a joke that has proved to be very dangerous to animals

Originally Posted by rodneynboalich

USARK has developed model legislation that can be enacted at the state level

That is an AWESOME idea!!!

I'm sure hobbyists with input are welcome to send it, have you emailed them your thoughts?

Originally Posted by Lucille

That is an AWESOME idea!!!

I'm sure hobbyists with input are welcome to send it, have you emailed them your thoughts?

yeah i got in a fight with andrew wyat on his facebook page about it. he really didnt answer r any of my questions. so its on here now for everybody to have their say

Originally Posted by rodneynboalich

yeah i got in a fight with andrew wyat on his facebook page about it. he really didnt answer r any of my questions. so its on here now for everybody to have their say

I've read that thread. He did answer you. You are being too stubborn to realize you got an answer. The legislative proposals wait in the wings to counter a ban. If there is not a call for a ban, the proposal will not be pushed forward.

Why is that so hard to understand?

Originally Posted by DiamondCreek

I've read that thread. He did answer you. You are being too stubborn to realize you got an answer. The legislative proposals wait in the wings to counter a ban. If there is not a call for a ban, the proposal will not be pushed forward.

Why is that so hard to understand?

he set up rules to offer up to ours states without even talking to us or running it by us

Originally Posted by rodneynboalich

he set up rules to offer up to ours states without even talking to us or running it by us

I am just curious as to how you would do that?

Originally Posted by radera5

I am just curious as to how you would do that?

its not like were not all on their emailing list they could have sent emails informing us with their plans and asked for our input

Originally Posted by rodneynboalich

its not like were not all on their emailing list they could have sent emails informing us with their plans and asked for our input

Any idea how long that would take and how arduous that would be? They don't have a huge staff of people.. and I don't think anyone gets paid for the job.