Top Cats Roar...

Wildlife Officials Remove Several Animals From Collins Zoo

topcatsroar — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:24:24 +0000

Here’s a news story I completely don’t understand. Here’s a zoo in Mississippi that has been there for years…H$U$ goes undercover, files a complaint and then suddenly the animals are confiscated and whisked away. I am not familiar with this zoo or the circumstance nor have I begun any research on it and I hope to get around to that but what credentials does the H$U$ have to do this…How legal is it for them to go undercover?!? Where was the trial or hearing held for proper due process of the law?!? Once again, there was no trial or hearing, simply a curt order. Now what does the court know on what this will so to the animals tranquilized and ripped from their home…does the court care if any of these animals die or suffer from this illegal taking of animals (property)?!? I don’t know how anyone else feels about this but clearly there was no due process and a game warden, who had no trouble with it or was willing to confiscate those animals until H$U$ got involved and planed for the confiscation, did he decide to do this. Does that indicate a conspiracy?!? -It most certainly DOES!!!

Once again animals stolen away under the ‘color of law’!!!
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http://www.wapt.com/news/30295679/detail.html#ixzz1kmQFfS00

Wildlife Officials Remove Several Animals From Collins Zoo
Tigers, Leopards, Cougars, Monkey Among Those Seized

POSTED: 10:10 am CST January 25, 2012
UPDATED: 8:24 am CST January 26, 2012

COLLINS, Miss. — State wildlife officials on Wednesday removed several animals from the Collins Zoo.
Three tigers, two leopards, three cougars, two wolf hybrids and a macaque monkey were sedated and seized as a result of a court order, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks said.

A Humane Society representative said the zoo didn’t have the proper state permits to house the animals, which she said were living in poor conditions.
“Primarily, the conditions of the animals were not where it needs to be, or in compliance of the law” said Jim Walker,” of MDWFP. “There’s the condition of the animals — where they’re housed, their medical care, their food source. It’s a situation that over the years has not seen any improvement.”
The Humane Society of the U.S. conducted a 28-day undercover investigation at the zoo and filed a complaint with MDWFP that resulted in the court order, according to a news release from the organization. The complaint alleged potential violations of the minimum standards set by the state for housing and caring for dangerous animals.
“We see the animals are kept in substandard housing. It’s flimsy, it’s small. There are issues that could be of concern to public safety,” said Jordan Crump, of The Humane Society of the U.S.

Humane Society Video can be found at the link:

Confiscation at Collins Zoo

“I don’t agree. I strongly disagree,” said zoo spokeswoman Jennifer Farmer. “The animals’ cages are cleaned daily. They are given the proper nutrition. They are seen daily by veterinarians.”
The animals will be sent to sanctuaries in Texas and North Carolina, officials said.
Farmer, who has worked at the Collins Zoo for four years, said the owners will fight to get the animals back.
In 2010, as a result of an unannounced inspection at the zoo, 22 citations were issued by MDWFP. At that time, agents took an opossum, some red-eared slider turtles and some box turtles, zoo operator Betty White told 16 WAPT News last year. The zoo was cited then for lack of permits for inherently violent animals.
White said the zoo was able to clear up the citations and remain open.
White, along with her husband, Gus, opened the zoo in 1988 near U.S. Highway 49 in Covington County as an orphanage for exotic animals, she said. White said most of the animals were rescued and had either gotten too old or too big as pets.
Some animals, including reptiles, rabbits and birds remain at the Collins Zoo, an employee said.
The Whites were not immediately available for comment on Wednesday.
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Comments to this article might reveal some of the truth behind the story…(Names with held)

>I would be more inclined to believe there were problems with this Zoo IF the HSUS had not been involved. This article lost all credibility when HSUS was mentioned.

>I agree V****. Since when did HSUS become involved in the exotic world now? They don’t make enough claiming to care about domestics & farm animals? Now they want to pad their pockets with staged rescues too? When you look at the people they’re surrounding themselves with, staged rescues are something they specialize in. And with HSUS being in the news for questionable tax returns, why are they even allowed to be portrayed as anyone even half credible?

>I first read this-under the pretenses that “the news” is generally the facts-although I did notice these animals in the photos didn’t look ill or thin-their areas they lived in appeared to be okay-but I almost believed it because it was “the news” now I know better-you people are out to take down anyone you can-w/o due cause! HSUS is enough to make one question these actions! that organization is out to destroy any and all exotic animal owners!

>I agree with V*****…if HSUS is involved that means its not a true story…they are trying to make a SCARE story to help BCR and Scott Lope who just opened his place for BCR…SAD SAD.

>From what I can see is the animals are well taken care of. This is just WRONG -V***

> I agree V***, its a sad day for “ratings” for their agenda they will continue…people should wake up, they will be coming for your birds, hampsters, dogs, cats next…that is the HSUS’s goal…complete animal liberations

> I THINK YOU ARE RIGHT…THESE ARE VERY FRIGHTENING TIMES RIGHT NOW ESPECIALLY FOR ANY OF US WHOM OWN ANY EXOTIC ANIMALS!! PRETTY SICKENING!

>I wonder what the real deal is?

MY COMMENT:
I would like to know where due process was served concerning this confiscation. There was no trial or hearing…They just swooped in and stole those animals and seems without the officials in Mississippi giving that any thought. Was there even an inspection of the animals and the zoo before getting a warrant and taking them?!?
Seems they went in based on an H$U$ undercover operation and could have easily been a set-up as we have seen so many times before. Abuse of the LAW!!! Under the ‘COLOR OF LAW”…I hope they have a D**N GOOD ATTORNEY to protect their civil liberties!!! If for no other reason than t protect the rest of their animals from being STOLEN away!!!

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(Don’t break) My Pretty Little Heart

topcatsroar — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:41:22 +0000

Please enjoy the music while viewing the slideshow and read the words.

Click to view slideshow.

The BIG Top Debate

topcatsroar — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:36:50 +0000

This is a link to another wordpress blog…please follow it and Vote NO BAN!!!

http://thebigtopdebate.wordpress.com/2011/11/14/have-your-say-should-wild-animals-be-banned-in-circuses-please-vote/

It is a important that we recognize that there is no unacceptable animal usage…whether it for entertainment, education, as pets or the food we eat; ALL ANIMAL USAGE IS ACCEPTABLE!!!

The circus animals are regulated not only by the fedral rules requiring a USDA permit for displaying animals but also by the states they travel to and any local laws that might be in effect. The Animal Rights propaganda want for you to believe otherwise…It is fact that the animals of the circus are inspected and viewed more than other animals and the best of care possible is provided. These animals have brought joy and education where ever they go. Show them your support and Vote NO BAN!!!

Do you trust a pretty face with a nice smile?!?

topcatsroar — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:54:38 +0000

I find it interesting how some people will trust a pretty boy with a nice smile who is holding a cat. In reality, he doesn’t care about that cat. Would he be so pretty and look so appealing without all that make-up he has on?!? And what if while standing there he was stating how he really feels?!?

“I don’t have a hands-on fondness for animals. I did not grow up bonded to any particular nonhuman animal. I like them and I pet them and I’m kind to them, but there’s no special bond between me and other animals.” -CEO Wayne Pacelle – HSUS

“We have no problems with the extinction of domestic animals. They are creations of human selective breeding.” –CEO Wayne Pacelle -H$U$

“One generation and out” -CEO Wayne Pacelle -H$U$

Sometimes pictures do not reveal the truth…Do not be fooled…LEARN THE TRUTH!!!

H$U$ does not care about animals…Helped to create BAD Laws and then has the nerve to go around the country and play the part of the rescuer-going in grabbing animals (illegally) -then dumping them on innocent shelters that can barely support the animals already in their care!!! Bad politics and full of BULLS**T!!! LEARN THE TRUTH -DO NOT SUPPORT OR GIVE YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY TO ANIMAL RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS (H$U$/PETA/ASPCA and others)

Stay tuned-Follow this blog!!! Best -B

**There is a disclaimer in place for this entire blog of opinion and facts

note- I did not create this poster but hats off to whoever did

The Truth EXPOSED -SHARE WILDLY!!! -Alpha Tex Kennels Wins Case!

topcatsroar — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:45:48 +0000

What a great article and I just have to share it…enjoy!!!

http://www.petbreedersandowners.com/index.php/2-uncategorised/96-alphatexkennelswinscase

Alpha Tex Kennels Wins Case!

Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 January 2012 20:33 | Published on Monday, 23 January 2012 04:37

“The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding.” Louis D. Brandeis

On Friday, January 20, 2012, a jury in the 181^stDistrict Court, in Canyon, Texas with Judge John Board presiding, found that no animal cruelty was found in the controversial Alpha Tex Kennels case. After hearing four days of testimony, the jury took just less than an hour to reach its not guilty verdict.

According to myplainview.com, “Judge John Board gave the jury a choice in asking if all of the dogs at Alpha Tex were cruelly treated or if just some of them were cruelly treated. They decided none were.”

Mark and Sandra Smith, owners of Alpha Tex Kennels, are happy with the verdict and glad this portion of their ordeal is over. They feel that justice was served, as the prosecution did not prove animal cruelty. They have stated since the seizure of their dogs on September 28, 2011 that none of their animals were cruelly treated. They are happy that they won by an unbiased jury, and feel their attorney’s did a tremendous job. They feel that this entire ordeal was orchestrated by Joe Cantu, the alleged investigator for the Humane Society of the West Texas (HSWT), who is also a neighboring breeder and trainer of German Shepherds.

Don Feare, the attorney from Arlington, Texas who solicited the job of prosecuting attorney, failed to prove any animal cruelty and said the outcome was not like he wanted, and it was not his decision but it was the jury’s. Feare presented as evidence pictures of six dogs, which made up only 3% of the number of dogs at the kennel. Defense attorney Paul Holloway presented a binder containing pictures of all of the dogs over the last 18 months, showing healthy and good looking dogs, with Feare objecting to this presentation. However, Holloway was allowed to present the binder.

Don Feare is not the only person surprised and disappointed over the verdict. The FaceBook group Animal Lovers against Alpha Tex Kennels, primarily ran by Daizy Langmesser of Killeen, Texas, who it appears also goes by Faye Longknife, appears to have made this case a personal vendetta; have had the comments and threats in high gear throughout the case and continue after the verdict announcement. They have made horrible comments and threats against the Smiths, or anyone who supported, stood by, or assisted them. This group fully supported Don Feare as if he were a saint who “would save the dogs,” at least up until the verdict, but have now suddenly turned on him with claims that he completely bungled the case and are playing armchair quarterback/lawyer on the case.

They refuse to accept that the complaint originated from Joe Cantu. Now think about that for a moment. The HSWT has allegedly built a facility within the last couple of years, but have no funds to pay for it and cannot access it. Remember that statement from Debra Avery of the HSWT saying “There are some absolutely beautiful dogs out here…” Now, you don’t think they seized these animals on trumped up charges so that they could sell them, do you? Hmmm… After the seizure, reports and comments were flying about the dogs and issues allegedly being faced by the foster homes. What did these people think the dogs would be like when you take them away from their family and the people who cared for them on a daily basis? Let’s not forget that it was this “Humane” Society that loaded these dogs into a cattle trailer the day of the seizure, exposing them to who knows what!

The “Animal Lovers” refuse to accept that, as shown in testimony, the HSWT went to the Sheriff of Floyd County, Paul Raissez, requesting his assistance to get the dogs away from the kennels, as testified to by Sheriff Raissez. They refuse to accept that Sheriff Raissez gave conflicting testimony in both the November 2011 hearing and the trial that just ended. They refuse to accept that the veterinarian present at the seizure, Dr. Paul Glasson, admitted on the stand that at the time of the seizure, he was unaware of the medical history of the dogs. Dr. Glasson put down one collie who he thought had mange, while never considering it may have been, and was, a thyroid condition. The dog was under medical care at the time. In fact, the other two dogs he put down were also under medical care. The horse was already scheduled to be put down the next day, as he was not responding to medical care. During testimony regarding these animals being put down, Mark Smith had a difficult time talking about it. Sandra Smith did not testify at the trial. Due to the stress from this ordeal, she recently had a stroke and has a difficult time organizing her thoughts.

The “Animal Lovers” are suggesting to the fosters “wouldn’t it be sad if all the dogs ran away from home at the same time.” They have not stopped there. They are now calling for an “Occupy Alpha Tex” movement of their “supporters.” Their staunch loyalty towards the HSWT is quickly waning and they appear to be turning on them as well. More than this, it is sad that they have no compassion for their fellow man while claiming to have it for the animals. Why are they so quick to judge when their own treatment of others leaves much to be desired?

The Smith’s, their attorney’s and Floyd County now have to work out the details on the return of the dogs. The court will issue the order for the return of the dogs. The Smith family is anxious for the return of their loved and missed animals. As Sandra Smith said, each of them is different, and each of them is loved. While no date is set at this time, they still have the lawsuits against Floyd County, Sheriff Paul Raissez, the HSWT, and KCBD Television to deal with. But they have made it over a huge hurdle, one that could have a big effect on future complaints and seizures.

The Smith’s and their attorney’s should be commended on their persistence in fighting this illegal act and for the return of their dogs. Perhaps the HSWT, and other organizations, will think a bit harder prior to initiating, and acting on, any complaint. This ordeal has caused great harm to the Smith’s, the county, and several other people-while ultimately, the dogs paid the highest price. This did not need to happen, and there is a better way. We have to find it, or the animals will continue to pay the highest price and unintentional consequences of illegal acts and bad legislation.

By Debi R***

NOTE: I don’t know how long it will remain…DaiZy’s new FB community page…Let’s hope this one will also go down and be banned!!! Updates on AlphaTex Puppy Mill & Dogs http://www.facebook.com/pages/Updates-on-AlphaTex-Puppy-Mill-Dogs/171646089602705

Message from Jennifer Gaut

topcatsroar — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:59:21 +0000

This provides so much insight about animal seizures and explains what so many people can not form a proper defense or even turn around and sue:

http://pjboosinger.jigsy.com/entries/general/message-from-jennifer-gaut

Message from Jennifer Gaut

Posted January 23, 2012

Ms. Jennifer Gaut was one of the three attorneys who represented the Gracias in their civil forfeiture cases in Harris County and is representing them on appeal from the second judgment. Their animals are gone but the fight goes on and, as she and I have often discussed, we know the public does not understand what goes on behind the scenes in these cases. She wrote me a very kind email in response to my last blog entry which includes an explanation of some of those issues and has consented to publication.

Thank you PJ for posting this [AlphaTex need YOU]. People truly have no idea how huge this victory is. More importantly, they have no idea how much blood, sweat and tears have gone into this victory. For the most part, it started back in July 2010 with the Gracias. We ultimately lost but we fought the good fight, made the county attorney’s office work harder than they’ve had to work on one of these cases, and managed to scare the HSPCA just a bit.

What Paul and Jessica have done is amazing but people should understand, their victory didn’t happen overnight. They’ve had two trials in less than 3 months….Most civil cases never even make it to trial but when they do, it’s after at least a year or two of languishing around with discovery, motions, mediation, etc. In addition to the two trials, Paul & Jessica had numerous hearings where they challenged everything from jurisdiction, venue, the lawfulness of the seizure, the judge, and even Feare. For there to be hearing, a motion has to be filed. After the motion is filed, the other side responds, then you respond to their response (sometimes with less than a day until the hearing). The ruling on the motion usually results in more motions being filed. Motions require arguments which require case law which requires research. Just preparing for one hearing (which includes drafting the motion and a response) can take hours. Preparing for a trial takes days and weeks. And it also takes money….lots and lots of money.

An attorney of Paul’s caliber can easily charge $250 to $300 an hour (or more, he is certainly worth it). When an attorney bills for a civil case, he (or SHE!) can and does bill for everything …. every phone call, every email, every typed word, every minute of research, every minute spent in court, every minute drafting a motion, every minute reading a motion, every minute conferencing with opposing counsel, every minute spent with a witness, every minute spent with the client, every minute spent investigating, and every minute his / her associate, his receptionist, and his / her paralegal works on the case (this includes time spent making copies, making phone calls, faxing documents, dealing with exhibits, etc)….EVERY SINGLE MINUTE (in fact, every 10th of a minute!) CAN AND DOES GET BILLED.

In a case like this, a win does not bring attorney fees (unlike a win in a personal injury case or something like that). This means the attorney has to bill the client. But in these type of cases, billing the client isn’t feasible. For instance, in the Gracia case, I got retained on Sunday July 18th, I worked almost nonstop on the case Mon – Thurs (while also trying to deal with my other cases), and then we started trial on Friday July 23rd. Luckily Martin and Leira joined me in trial. To have 3 attorneys in trial, at what should have been $500 an hour ($125 an hour for me, $125 an hour for Leira, $250 [at least] an hour for Martin) for 5 FULL Days (approximate 40 hours) would have been$20,000….and that would have just been for the JP trial! It doesn’t include all the hours put in on the case the 4 days before trial, every night after trial, and the two weekends during the trial. Conservatively, we are talking another $20,000. (so $40K just for the JP portion of their case).

As you remember, after the JP proceedings, we had multiple hearings etc and then TWO FULL WEEKS OF TRIAL in October. After the trial, there were severalpost-judgment hearings (3 hearings on the issue of damages, two hearings on the motion for new trial, and two hearings on the indigent issue for the appellate transcript). A defense for this kind of case can quickly cost at least $150,000 to $200,000. And people forget that we still have expenses that must be paid. We still have to pay our receptionist, our law clerk, our office overhead (monthly rent, phone, internet, copies, etc), as well as all fees directly associated with a case. For instance, every time I want someone served with a subpoena, I have to pay a process server anywhere from $75.00 to $100.00 (per subpoena). Every time I go to court in Harris County, I have to pay for parking (while in trial, I always had to park in the garage @ $8.00 / day because we had to lug boxes back and forth AND you can only park 2 to 4 hours at a meter – so for the 3 of us @ $8.00 / day for the 12 days of trial was $288.00 – plus we all had to buy food at the courthouse every day since we were there at 8:30 a.m. and usually left somewhere around 6:00 p.m.). Every time I file a motion in court, I have to either use gas and time to drive to the court house to file it OR I have to pay a $16.00 electronic filing fee. I have to pay for every copy I make, every long-distance fax, every document sent to opposing counsel by CMRRR, every bit of supplies, etc, etc, etc. In our case, we had to hire a translator for Bertha when she testified…..that bill was close to a $1000.00.

In addition to the time he spent on this case, which is invaluable, I know Paul spent an enormous amount of money on this case (not necessarily because he wanted to but because he had to….winning ain’t easy OR cheap). Just filing the Federal lawsuit cost several hundred dollars in filing fees (and does not include the cost to serve the opposing parties). And what no one seems to think about or remember is this: Paul is solo practitioner. This means he is not collecting a paycheck every two weeks like the goons at the county attorney’s office. The Attorneys at the county attorney’s office get a paycheck no matter what happens in the case AND they don’t have to personally foot the bill for anything (in fact, their parking is reimbursed, their lunches during trial are reimbursed, etc)….Guess who foots the bills for the county attorney’s office to fight these cases? The citizens of that county. But when we (Paul, Jessica, me, Leira, Martin, etc) handle one of these cases, we aren’t getting a paycheck from anyone and generally, we aren’t getting paid by our clients (for the reasons mentioned above, not because the clients don’t want to). So our expenses skyrocket while our income plummets. It took me and Martin several months after the Gracia trial to recover financially…..Because of all the work we had to put into the case and all the time spent in court in trial, our practice basically came to a screeching halt; afterwards we were exhausted, swamped with back-logged work, and broke.

I hope that people take what you posted to heart and DONATE. As a person who’s been through this (and still going through it [but on a smaller scale] since I’m appealing the Gracia case), I know the financial and emotional toll this kind of case takes on an attorney. I know people think we (attorneys) are made out of money but we aren’t. And many of us, especially those that choose to practice criminal defense like myself and Paul, don’t do it because we think we are going to get rich. Rather, we do it because we are believers in the constitution, and we want to fight for those who often can’t fight for themselves. I did not take the Gracia case b/c I am a lover of birds (in fact, you know I knew very little about birds), and Paul didn’t take the Smith’s case b/c he’s a lover of dogs (although I know he is). We did it because we were incensed at the injustice and blatant violation of people’s constitutional rights. There are very few attorneys who will even take one of these cases, fewer who know how to handle this type of case, and even fewer who will actually fight it the way it must be fought.

Paul is a rare breed (no pun intended), so I hope and pray people will support him by donating money to the cause…. People never know when they might end up on the other side of the fence and will need someone like Paul to step in and defend their constitutional rights. I know people are struggling financially but every little bit matters, every little bit counts, and every little bit is appreciated. You know I’m broke, but I’m going to put in my few dollars so he can continue to fight the good fight……Every victory matters, and his win today is a win for all of us.

Take care,

Jen

Jennifer R. Gaut

PJ’s footnote: There is no ACLU for animal owners to turn to. All those who have worked on the AlphaTex and Gracia cases are that rare breed who cared enough about property rights, about constitutional rights and protections, to step up but they cannot do this alone. For them, this is a profession, how they feed their families. Ms. Gaut isn’t joking about being broke. She’s a young, new lawyer who has contributed her own time and reached into her own pocket to fund the Gracia case and is now helping fund the AlphaTex case. WE own the animals and it is grossly unfair to expect these professionals to fund these cases. It’s time for us to do our part or resign ourselves to summary loss of our rights and property.

Say No To Exotic Animal Ban! -Virginia SB477

topcatsroar — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:31:10 +0000

Send you message to VA senators…Remember, you do not have to live there to send your message and what happens there can ‘spread’ anywhere!!! It just takes a second, OK, a minute, to copy/paste this letter, sign and copy/paste where to send it…then share this message WILDLY!!! TY -B
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Va Senators:

I am very concerned about the bill- SB 477 that is being introduced that is authored by the Humane Society of the United States.

These bills are written under the guise of public safety, and usually apply to a list of
so-called “dangerous animals”. These are ban bills and if enacted in every
state, it will result in the “management to extinction” of the largest,
and most diverse gene pool of threatened and endangered species throughout
America. HSUS bills prohibit Americans from engaging in captive
husbandry, breeding, exhibiting, and educational work with exotic animals and
feline species.

It is no secret that the HSUS has a goal to eliminate all captive
wildlife. Since the horrendous big cat massacre that occurred in
Zanesville, Ohio, last October, the HSUS has used this tragedy as an
excuse to send their lobbyists to every state legislature in session, to
shop their ban bills for sponsors and introduction.

If such bills were to pass in my state, it would greatly harm the people
who already own exotics, and those who work with exotics, and of course,
crush the hopes and dreams of any of the younger generation, of ever
having the opportunity to own or work with wildlife.

These animal rights bills to limit breeding and possession of all wild
felines to only the small faction of city-owned, or corporate zoos that
can afford to be members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, will
cause tremendous harm to the greater gene pools of wildlife held, bred,
and exhibited throughout America by independent zoos and private breeding
facilities. These independent centers are all USDA licensed and regulated
just like the AZA zoos.

The HSUS bills are ill considered. HSUS has no expertise of of exotic animals or felid
husbandry and should not be authoring this kind of legislation. Large
felids are already protected, and already regulated by many federal laws,
such as the Animal Welfare Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Captive
Wildlife Safety Act, and the Tiger and Rhino Protection Act. But of
course, animal protection is not what the HSUS cares about, HSUS wants
animal extinction in captivity, and so they ignore all the laws and
regulations, and introduce ban bills instead.

The animal rights movement is far too powerful, and its agenda is far too
destructive to American freedom, and if these extremists get their way,
everyone in America will lose the ability to know, learn, experience, and
view captive-born wildlife in this society.

I would like to hear from you that you share my concern, and that you will
keep my concerns in mind and contact me if you learn of any HSUS exotic
animal bills being introduced this session.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter that is of great concern to me.

Sincerely,

SEND TO:

Send to:
district24@senate.virginia.gov, district10@senate.virginia.gov, district38@senate.virginia.gov, district15@senate.virginia.gov, district14@senate.virginia.gov, district26@senate.virginia.gov, district09@senate.virginia.gov, district34@senate.virginia.gov, district06@senate.virginia.gov, district28@senate.virginia.gov, district37@senate.virginia.gov, district20@senate.virginia.gov, district13@senate.virginia.gov, district01@senate.virginia.gov, district30@senate.virginia.gov

A Rule by the Fish and Wildlife Service on 01/23/2012

topcatsroar — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:48:19 +0000

Injurious Wildlife Species; Listing Three Python Species and One Anaconda Species as

Injurious Reptiles

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/01/23/2012-1155/injurious-wildlife-species-listing-three-python-species-and-one-anaconda-species-as-injurious#p-4

SUMMARY

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is amending its regulations under the Lacey Act to add Python molurus (which includes Burmese python Python molurus bivittatus and Indian python Python molurus molurus), Northern African python (Python sebae), Southern African python (Python natalensis), and yellow anaconda (Eunectes notaeus) to the list of injurious reptiles. By this action, the importation into the United States and interstate transportation between States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or possession of the United States of any live animal, gamete, viable egg, or hybrid of these four constrictor snakes is prohibited, except by permit for zoological, education, medical, or scientific purposes (in accordance with permit regulation) or by Federal agencies without a permit solely for their own use. The best available information indicates that this action is necessary to protect the interests of human beings, agriculture, wildlife, and wildlife resources from the purposeful or accidental introduction and subsequent establishment of these large nonnative constrictor snake populations into ecosystems of the United States.

This rule becomes effective on March 23, 2012.

This final rule and the associated final economic analysis, regulatory flexibility analysis, and environmental assessment are available on the Internet at

http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015.

Comments and materials received, as well as supporting documentation used in preparing this final rule, are available on the Internet at

http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015;

they are also available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours, at

the South Florida Ecological Services Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1339 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960-3559;

telephone (772) 562-3909 ext. 256; facsimile (772) 562-4288.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
These means certain death to thousands of animals. Will put people out of business as well…I just wonder how much impact on northern states these animals have when they can NOT survive in cold climates!!! You should voice your opinion!!!

Say NO TO ALL BANS!!!

topcatsroar — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:22:11 +0000

Sometimes a picture with just a few words says more than anything you could possibly say

Support REXANO -learn the truth and what YOU can do!!!

www.REXANO.org

ACTION ALERT: Stop the Extinction Movement

topcatsroar — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:20:40 +0000

http://capwiz.com/gwpark/issues/alert/?alertid=60502501&queueid

Stop the Extinction Movement! write your elected officials using this action alert to let them know you do not want any HSUS “dangerous animal” legislation being introduced or sponsored by them.

Stop the Extinction Movement!

It is no secret that the Humane Society of the United States is shopping their ban bills around to every state legislature in session this year. It doesn’t matter if a state already regulates possession, exhibiting, or breeding of wildlife, legislators are still being approached by HSUS lobbyists with offers to “help” update wildlife laws.

The “help” the HSUS and other extremist animal rights organization lobbyists are giving, are bills written to force captive populations of wildlife into extinction. Without exception, these HSUS bills prohibit individuals, independent zoos, and wildlife educators from obtaining, or breeding exotic felines. Exemptions to these bills are given to the zoos that can afford to be members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, (AZA) and sanctuaries that sign onto the HSUS extinction mandate, promising never to breed anything, and who are members of the HSUS Global Federation of Sanctuaries association.

Every state that passes these proposed bills will lose all available habitats for the captive conservation of threatened and endangered species by knowledgeable, licensed, family owned small businesses.

We all know the harm this extinction movement will have on the local and national economy, individual businesses, private owners, and, especially to wildlife conservation.

Please take the time to write your elected officials using this action alert to let them know you do not want any HSUS “dangerous animal” legislation being introduced or sponsored by them. These so called “dangerous animal” bills are extremely dangerous – to the animals, and to their keepers!

Protect captive gene pools and captive habitat by stopping the HSUS dead in its tracks, before it forces the extinction of exotic animals in America.
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Please Do Not Sponsor or Vote for any HSUS proposed Exotic or “Dangerous Animals” Ban Bills

Required text: (This text will be included in your message) I am very concerned about bills that are being introduced that are authored by the Humane Society of the United States. These bills are written under the guise of public safety, and usually apply to a list of so-called “dangerous animals”. These are ban bills and if enacted in every state, it will result in the “management to extinction” of the largest, and most diverse gene pool of threatened and endangered species throughout America. HSUS bills prohibit Americans from engaging in captive husbandry, breeding, exhibiting, and educational work with exotic feline species.It is no secret that the HSUS has a goal to eliminate all captive wildlife. Since the horrendous big cat massacre that occurred in Zanesville, Ohio, last October, the HSUS has used this tragedy as an excuse to send their lobbyists to every state legislature in session, to shop their ban bills for sponsors and introduction.If such bills were to pass in my state, it would greatly harm the people who already own exotics, and those who work with exotics, and of course, crush the hopes and dreams of any of the younger generation, of ever having the opportunity to own or work with wildlife.These animal rights bills to limit breeding and possession of all wild felines to only the small faction of city-owned, or corporate zoos that can afford to be members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, will cause tremendous harm to the greater gene pools of wildlife held, bred, and exhibited throughout America by independent zoos and private breeding facilities. These independent centers are all USDA licensed and regulated just like the AZA zoos.The HSUS bills are ill considered. HSUS has no expertise of felid husbandry and should not be authoring this kind of legislation. Large felids are already protected, and already regulated by many federal laws, such as the Animal Welfare Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Captive Wildlife Safety Act, and the Tiger and Rhino Protection Act. But of course, animal protection is not what the HSUS cares about, HSUS wants animal extinction in captivity, and so they ignore all the laws and regulations, and introduce ban bills instead. The animal rights movement is far too powerful, and its agenda is far too destructive to American freedom, and if these extremists get their way, everyone in America will lose the ability to know, learn, experience, and view captive-born wildlife in this society. I would like to hear from you that you share my concern, and that you will keep my concerns in mind and contact me if you learn of any HSUS exotic animal bills being introduced this session.

Follow the above link to sign this capwiz for you message to be INSTANTLY sent. SHARE THIS MESSAGE WILDLY!!!

Stay tuned and follow this blog for important update and action alerts!!! Best -B