Legalising Exotic Reptiles Poll

[ZYBen]

THis is a carry over from the thread
http://www.zoochat.com/24/legalising-exotic-reptiles-aust-again-49981/
Please note this thread is to be used to discuss number on the poll, all other posts will be moved to the above thread.

 

[ZYBen]

I agree with a selection of species that are already in the country and are of number to start a colony from.
Things like Red Eared Sliders, Leopard Tortoise, Iguana, Boa's etc...
I do agree with venomous species being kept by appropriattley trained individuals.
If Zoo's don't breed them then who will? there will be a day when they want those species again, and why not source from home, i am sure its cheaper!

 

[tetrapod]

I agree with a selection of species that are already in the country and are of number to start a colony from.
Things like Red Eared Sliders, Leopard Tortoise, Iguana, Boa's etc...
I do agree with venomous species being kept by appropriattley trained individuals.
If Zoo's don't breed them then who will? there will be a day when they want those species again, and why not source from home, i am sure its cheaper!

I would generally agree with your comments. I can only base my experiences of private animal-keeping on the situations in the UK and Australia. Firstly many herp hobbyists keep their charges in as good and sometimes better facilities than large zoos. Problems only occur with people who don't really know what they are doing and choose a species not suitable.

In the UK you can just about keep anything, only some herp species are considered DWA (Dangerous Wild Animal Act legislation) - crocodilians, venomous snakes, venomous lizards, komodos. However there are some species that I feel should be probably better regulated, particularly large species that are difficult to manage and all too readily end up at rehab centres - large boas, pythons and iguanas. One way around this would be to have a second tier permit system. Unfortunately the DWA legislation is flawed anyway with many species on the list that don't need to be and many that have come off it that shouldn't be kept without some sort of permit (just for example lemurs and marmosets).

Some species need to be especially monitored from an Australian perspective - Burmese pythons are already causing havoc in the Everglades, they don't need to add to the cane toad problem. Likewise venomous species need some control. Given the simple fact that the animals are already in the country, with government effectively just ignoring them and claiming it is illegal, will not prevent an accidental escapee causing havoc in the wild or accidental venomation (which lets face it are the main concerns). Prohibition doesn't work for drugs, guns or prostitution, why should it suddenly work for exotic pets. Far better to regulate it.

 

[ZYBen]

LIke i have stated before i would like to see a permit scheme similair to the South Australian DEH specialist permit. I ewill find a link later today.

 

[Steve Robinson]

Ben - what practical, commonsense people you Croweaters are! Good idea.

PS: You haven't set it up so that I can make multiple votes - not so good idea!!!!!

 

[ZYBen]

well then you'll just have to pick one!!!

Atleast South australia has one thing right! lets put our Wildlife (and zoo) permit system with QLD's Climate... Could work

 

[Steve Robinson]

well then you'll just have to pick one!!!

I picked one [no prize for guessing which one] - I just wanted to multiple vote for my pick! You know - the good old democratic principle of "...vote early, vote often..."