posted by Sybil on Apr 27
There is that old adage: “Politics makes strange bedfellows.”
I have never found this to be more fitting than during my recent writing and mailing to Oasis News about the bill in committee in the house of Representitives – HR669.
There is a deep rift in the avian world (as I am sure in many areas or rescue/sanctuary vs the “pet trade” ) regarding this bill.
I find myself being accused of being manipulated by PIJAC and others…while my personal belief is that others are too trusting. I have been accused of furthering the “hysteria.”
For the first time in over ten years I find myself agreeing…although for completely different reasons… with people in the pet trade and aviculturists (breeders.) It is an odd and often uncomfortable feeling.
None the less, in my reading of the Bill as it stands today, there is too much leeway for “people in charge” to make decisions which could make it impossible to find new homes for parrots or take them across state lines if their current caregiver needs to move. After my four month struggle to bring an American born parrot, Gulliver the Macaw, back into the country last year, I came to understand that beaurocracy is by definition conservative in interpreting legislation and law. It is the “safe” choice for them to make….
I had heard that the Bill had been killed…and now am learning from others that the Bill has just been “shelved” and is under review for a few weeks.
I encourage people to read the bill (see links below) and decide for yourselves.
And if, like me, you are worried or concerned… please contact your US House Representitive. There is a link for that as well.
And let me know what you think.
Sybil
For those of you who are unfamiliar with this Bill HR 669 —below is an official summary of the Bill:
1/26/2009–Introduced.
Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act – Requires the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations establishing a process for assessing the risk of all nonnative wildlife species proposed for importation into the United States, other than those included in a list of approved species issued under this Act. Sets forth factors that must be considered, including the identity of the organism to the species level, the native range of the species, whether the species has caused harm to the economy, the environment, or other animal species or human health in similar ecosystems, and the likelihood of establishment or spread of the species in the United States.
Provides procedures for issuance and expansion of a list of nonnative wildlife species approved for importation and a list of nonnative wildlife species that are prohibited.
Establishes prohibitions on: (1) importation or transportation between states of nonnative species that are not included in the list of approved species; (2) permit violations; and (3) possession, purchase, sale, barter, release, or breeding of such species.
Exempts from such prohibitions actions by law enforcement personnel to enforce this Act or by federal or state officials to prevent the introduction or establishment of nonnative wildlife species. Declares that nothing in this Act restricts the importation or transportation between states of such species by a federal agency for its own use if the species remains in its possession. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits authorizing otherwise prohibited importation for scientific research, for medical, accredited zoological or aquarium display purposes, or for educational purposes that are specifically reviewed, approved, and verified by the Secretary if the Secretary finds that there has been a proper showing by the permittee of responsibility for the specimen and continued protection of the public interest and health.
Allows the imposition of fees on persons who submit a proposal to include a species in either of the lists to recover the costs of assessing risks of nonnative wildlife species. Establishes a Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Fund into which such fees and fines for violations will be deposited.
Redesignates the Invasive Species Council established by Executive Order 13112 as the National Invasive Species Council.
To find your representative go to:
June 12th, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Hi, very nice post. I have been wonder’n bout this issue,so thanks for posting