chimaysmommy Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 I just started a subscription to a birdie magazine today, and came across this article that made my jaw drop. Being new to the birdie world, I'm not sure if this has been a hot topic for a while but apparantly there is a hearing to take place on April 23 to discuss the possible banning of various non-native animal species in the USA (most bird species, hamsters, gerbils, etc). Before anyone feels the same wave of panic that I did when I read it, the article states at the very end that any pet owners that began their ownership prior to the "risk assessment" will get to keep their animals should the ban pass. How awful would that be? http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-news/2009/04/02/nonnative-species-ban.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h4H Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 the chances of this passing is slim to none Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eckobird Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 That would be horrible!! It better not pass! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tycos_mom Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 Thank goodness I don't have to worry about that I live in Canada. But if this does happen which I doubt it will What are they going to do with all the birds that are being bred as we speak That is allot of pet birds and breeder birds to deal with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chimaysmommy Posted April 7, 2009 Author Share Posted April 7, 2009 I agree....there's such a huge population of "non-native" animal breeders, it seems like that would be a tough thing to enforce/begin enforcing. And I don't buy the line about dogs/cats being excluded because they're "barnyard" animals. I think it's simply because eliminating such a common household pet would be impossible and would put many animal shelters and pet stores COMPLETELY out of business. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janfromboone Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 This can't possibly pass. There would be an uprising. Also, at this time restricting an industry ( the pet industry ) means job loss and loss of income for some. It would not be a smart political move in that way either.<br><br>Post edited by: Janfromboone, at: 2009/04/06 23:00 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidH Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 Most bills die in committee. This one is currently languishing in the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife. It is at step one of a very long process. If it ever becomes law, it will morph through dozens of recommendations, compromises, changes, objections, etc. Also, the purpose of the law is "to create lists of approved and non-approved species of nonnative wildlife (species not naturally found in the United States) based on risk assessments of the species’ potential likelihood to “cause economic or environmental harm or harm to another animal species’ health or human health.†In other words, if a species is not likely to cause harm it will not be restricted. Unless flocks of wild parrots released from captivity could be shown to be devastating the corn crop or displacing orioles, there is little cause for concern. Actually, the worst enemy of native birds are suburban and feral cats. Cats that people let roam their yards kill many hundreds of millions of birds annually and deplete the numbers of threatened species. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaMary Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 Thank you, David, for putting this into perspective for us. Karma to you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brittany Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 :huh: yeah i don't think it'll pass. but that would suck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonek Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 that Crazy rule thanks for the input and i did send email to them for kill that rule(HHR 669)!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spookyhurst Posted April 21, 2009 Share Posted April 21, 2009 Here's the email I got from The Oasis about this bill: --------cross-post freely-----------cross-post freely-------------cross-post freely--------------- Dear Friends of Birds and The Oasis Sanctuary.... For over a month I have been receiving e-mail regarding HR 669 "The Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act" which is currently before the House of Representatives. 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. As the Bill stands right now, our companion Parrots, being nonnative birds, would fall under this jurisdiction. And while the parrots currently in our homes would be "grandfathered" in, it would not allow for the placement or sale of our birds if and when we can not longer care for them. Ironically, while The Oasis Sanctuary would, in all likelihood, be one of very few avian facilities which could be allowed to continue caring for and taking in birds (under permit) due to the Educational Facility status we currently hold with US Fish and Wildlife, this Bill and its subsequent fallout would undoubtedly lead to the destruction of hundreds of thousands - if not millions - of our birds when their current caregivers would be unable to continue their care. Given that the average lifespan of Parrots is in the 40-60 or more year range, and given that these are extraordinarily intelligent, sentient beings, this is absolutely unacceptable. While I normally do not speak out on "pet" issues, no matter where one stands in the pet vs. animal rights debate, this is not an acceptable solution. PLEASE write your House Representative TODAY. Let them know that while we all agree that we do not wish to have "dangerous" nonnative species introduced into our environment, this proposed bill goes too far and is dangerous. To find your representative go to: United States House of Representatives, 111th Congress, 1st Session To learn more about this bill please go to: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-669 and also http://www.nohr669.com/index.htm Thank you.... For the Birds Sybil -- Sybil Erden, Executive Director The Oasis Sanctuary www.the-oasis.org 520-212-4737 Contact us about coming to Discover The Oasis 2009 - Saturday May 2nd Hope to see you here!<br><br>Post edited by: spookyhurst, at: 2009/04/21 07:19 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toni Posted April 21, 2009 Share Posted April 21, 2009 No, I don't see this happening. Don't worry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christina Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 I'm somewhat surprised at that apathy that this bill is being met with by everyone. It's an affront to our individual rights. Although, I agree with David that this is the first step in a long process, it is much easier to get this issue tabled in committee than it is once it has passed the House of Represenatives and is off to the Senate for their approval. The length of time that is takes to pass is not the issue...do you never want to buy another bird? What if, god forbid, your grey passes? Are you willing to let the government tell you that you can not buy a new bird? Do you really want the government telling you what pet you are allowed to have in your home? This is a serious issue and for all those that love their birds, you should take 10 minutes out of your day, write your representative. Here is a web-site to find your rep and send him an e-mail. https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml Sorry, guys, but it's this apathy and indifference and belief that the government knows what is doing that will destroy our way of life. We spend hours posting about our love for our animals, but won't take 10 minutes to write our congressman or representative? As Americans we have a duty to step up and be heard when something like is on the table...I guarantee you PETA and all the animal welfare groups have stepped forward. Sorry to rant, but I hope this email moves you forward..the committee meets tomorrow....write today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chimaysmommy Posted April 22, 2009 Author Share Posted April 22, 2009 I agree with Christina...I used the www.nohr669.com site and followed their link to send our rep here in Ohio an email protesting this ban. Though many of us think that there is little to no chance that this will be passed, that is still more than ZERO. Please take a moment to give a voice to our animal friends who cannot speak for themselves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidH Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 >>I guarantee you PETA and all the animal welfare groups have stepped forward. >> PETA and other animal welfare groups are not the enemy of parrots or of people who have them as companion animals. On the contrary, animal welfare groups are our friends and advocates and have helped protect animals all over the world. It is smart to get involved early on with legislation, bearing in mind that the way a bill is first drafted is almost early quite different from its final version, and most bills die in committee with no action taken. This bill will be modified based on citizen and NGO input, even if it survives. So by all means, check it out early and write to your representatives. But it may develop into legislation that benefits our parrots and other animals without any downside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judygram Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 I sent an email to my representative to oppose this bill, how dare they try to take away my privledge to get another bird if I want one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrCongo Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-news/2009/04/23/hr669-after-the-hearing.aspx yeah! I was one of those 50,000 letters! It looks like this bill is gonna die! I hope! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chimaysmommy Posted April 24, 2009 Author Share Posted April 24, 2009 Eee!!!! I was too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvparrots Posted April 25, 2009 Share Posted April 25, 2009 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spookyhurst Posted April 26, 2009 Share Posted April 26, 2009 I got this from The Oasis: ---------------------------cross post freely------------------------cross-post freely-----------------------------cross-post freely--------------------------------------------- Dear Friend of the Birds and of The Oasis Sanctuary I learned yesterday that HR 669 was killed in committee. This is due to the (literally) tens of thousands of letters, emails and phone calls which poured in from caregivers of exotic companion animals around the country. To those in the Avian Community who called or wrote...your birds are thanking you. My final words on the subject....and I know many will continue to disagree.....This is fine. We still are in the USA. I had very mixed feelings about the bill. Although there were important issues addressed, the problems, as I see them, were that the decision making was left up to bureaucrats, who, based on my rather intense experience with the Federal government (USFW in particular) generally interpret regulations and legislation in the tightest and most conservative manner. The thought of intelligent and sentient beings in particular for this conversation, parrots with a life expectancy of 60-80 years, not being able to go to new homes if their caregivers could not longer care for them, or not being able to cross lines should their caregiver have to move, would potentially put millions of parrots at risk of destruction. Although I am against breeding of any animals until ALL animals have a life-long home...and I do not believe that parrots or other birds who should be flying aught to be relegated to cages in our living rooms and treated like objects or even little humans....I also believe in the sanctity of life and our obligation to care take all existing captive and or domestic animals appropriately throughout their lifetimes. Many of the objectives outlined (as I understood it) in HR 669 are already covered by CITES regulations visa vi importation etc. Yet another layer of bureaucracy will not stop smuggling and in my opinion would have only created an illegal underground of exotic trading and breeding. Look at dog-fighting and cock-fighting as an example.... To sum up, it is my opinion that HR 669 was a potentially dangerous intrusion of government into an area which needs enlightenment rather than laws. Sybil -- Sybil Erden, Executive Director The Oasis Sanctuary www.the-oasis.org 520-212-4737 Contact us about coming to Discover The Oasis 2009 - Saturday May 2nd Hope to see you here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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