im aware of how the species got here. that isnt the point. theyre here and theyre weraking havoc

But nothing in the bill explains how they are going to clear the lakes and rivers of the already existing species. They are just going to ban fish and exportation that does nothing to prevent people from dumping fish in lakes and rivers.

its a start. for example that hillbilly redneck douchebag from texas or whereever who brought up a bunch of wild boars and turned em loose on his property so he could hunt hogs up here(somewhere in central wisconsin). well the boars have run wild and for whatever reason bred really fast and now theyve started killing livestock and peoples pets. that was in like a 4 year span of time. Im sure somewhere in the middle this legislation will address the hobbyist. i havent even read it but im almost certain the ban on import has to do with someone importing something for food. ie hmongs have notorioulsy turned carp loose into other bodies of water. i read somewhere that san fransico has entire feral ecosystems due to chinese immigrants importing wild animals for constant food sources.

For those interested in learning more on what the bill encompasses, here's a link to it's summary on the Library of Congress website.

Summary of HR 669

In the summary it does show who will be able to keep animals that are listed. These are Government Agencies, Zoos and Public Aquariums, scientific and medical research facilities, and accredited educational facilities (with permits). Hobbyist are not included.

One other rather stupid inclusion in the bill is that one thing that will cause an invasive species to NOT be included on the banned list, is if it is already established in the wild. So apparently you will be able to import all the Zebra Mussels and African Bees you want.

Mark

I can see it now...

(Fade In) Federal Penitentiary

Big Bubba: What are you in for?

Mark: I'm serving three consecutive life sentences for having multiple Jack Dempseys, and five Boa Constrictors.

Yeah, that will give me lots of Rep. Points in Prison.

Mark

that would suck to go to jail for owning fish

It happened back in the early 1980s for keeping banned snakes. The Feds raided snake keepers homes (with weapons drawn) to confiscate collections,and those it happened to, had to prove all of their animals were legally obtained. Basically "Guilty until proven innocent"; and this isn't hearsay, it happened to several people I know.

This is why I'm so passionate about stopping this Bill.

Mark

yeah i dont think it will pass personally i mean why would it?

yeah i believe that but why would it? i dont see the point in it

I'm surprised we haven't heard anything yet from the big pet importers/chain stores.

Hell, most Walmarts even have fish sections. It's interesting that none of them have voiced an opinion on this.

yeah im sure we will soon