Herp Nation has learned that Andrew Wyatt, Doug Price, Kim Thomas, and Erika Chen-Walsh have founded and incorporated a new non-profit organization called the “United States Herpetoculture Alliance, Inc.”
Andrew was not available for a phone interview, but did tell us the following via email just moments ago….
“Herp Alliance is an alliance of researchers, zoo professionals, breeders and hobbyists dedicated to promoting responsible herpetoculture of all herpetofauna (including constrictors, venomous, varanids and crocodilians) for conservation, research, commercial and non-commercial purposes so that herpetoculture does not become an endeavor limited to the species mass produced and mass imported for sale through big box pet stores in the pet trade.”
When asked about the goals of the Herp Alliance, Andrew added, “Herp Alliance goals include the following. To protect the ability of breeders, zoos and researchers to easily transport herpetofauna across state lines. To file a federal lawsuit against US Fish & Wildlife Service to counteract the recent constrictor rule applying to the Lacey Act. To prevent the Humane Society of the United States at the state level from passing reptile bans similar to SB310 in Ohio, which was supported and endorsed by the pet industry. To create a legal fund for herpetoculture issues. To raise money for herp conservation and research.”
Stay tuned to Herp Nation for more details as they become available on this developing story.
Scott Waters
HerpNation.com
Its a bit alarming when you see him drop one group and jump to another... Main question I have is "why?"
