FFWS Amnesty Day

Helping to pass the word for a friend. X Posted...

If you can not or do not want to keep your reptiles anymore and you are in Florida PLEASE choose one of these dates and locations to drop off your animals with no fear of penalties.

Please be responsible and do the right thing. I believe everyone here on this site is pretty responsible but I wanted to put it up anyway...

Oct. 3, 2009 - Gatorland, Orlando *We will be accepting Reptiles of Concern only at this special amnesty day event.*
Nov. 7, 2009 - Busch Gardens, Tampa
Feb. 6, 2010 - Miami Metro Zoo
Sept. 25, 2010 - Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Jacksonville

Nonnative Pet Amnesty Program:

The Nonnative Pet Amnesty Program is an effort to reduce the number of nonnative species being released into the wild by pet owners who can no longer care for their pets or no longer wish to keep them. One-day-only Amnesty Day events are held around the state to provide the opportunity for people to surrender their nonnative pets free of charge with no penalties. Every attempt will be made to place all healthy animals with qualified adopters.

Nonnative reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, mammals and invertebrates are accepted at Amnesty Day events. Domestic pets, such as dogs, cats or ferrets, are not accepted.

Another goal of the program is to foster responsible pet ownership. Current exotic pet owners and anyone interested in acquiring a nonnative pet can come and talk to experts to learn more about that animal's needs. Amnesty day events are free and open to the public. Low cost microchipping is offered at many Amnesty Day events.

Pet adopters will be recruited before each Amnesty Day event to give homes to surrendered animals. All adopters must submit an application that will be reviewed by FWC. Inadequate applications will be returned to the applicant for improvement. Applicants that are approved as adopters will receive a letter of acceptance from FWC. The letter of acceptance must be brought to Amnesty Day events- adopters will not be allowed to receive animals without their acceptance letter.

Nonnative pet amnesty events help to increase awareness of nonnative species problems. Over 400 nonnative species have been observed in Florida, and more than 130 have reproducing populations. It is illegal to release any animal not native to Florida.

PLEASE people, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS! We don't need anymore publicity on abandoned ROC--not to mention that it is cruel & inhumane to turn these guys loose!