HR 669
Because i've seen a few people talking about this already...with misguided ideas about the bill. Let me read and explain it for you.
Head's up it's long, but if you rant about how stupid this bill is and don't have all your facts...you'll probabaly have a friend link you this so you can be informed.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-669
HR 669 - To prevent the introduction and establishment of nonnative wildlife species that negatively impact the economy, environment, or other animal species’ or human health, and for other purposes. AKA this is being put in place to protect the native deer, turtle, plants, ecosystem that is normally supposed to be here. (where ever here may be.)
The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, shall promulgate regulations that establish a process for assessing the risk of all nonnative wildlife species proposed for importation into the United States, other than nonnative wildlife species that are included in the list of approved species issued under section 4. (We'll get to Section 4 later) They are not insta banning all hamsters, snakes, gerbils, etc.
Some factors that will be considered -
- whether the species has established or spread, or caused harm to the economy, the environment, or other animal species or human health in ecosystems in or ecosystems that are similar to those in the United States
- the likelihood that the species would harm wildlife resources in the United States
- the likelihood that the species would harm native species that are rare or native species that have been listed as threatened species or endangered species in the United States under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)
- the likelihood that the species would harm habitats or ecosystems in the United States
- the likelihood that pathogenic species or parasitic species may accompany the species proposed for importation
Yes they said importation...The term ‘import’ means to land on, bring into, or introduce into, or attempt to land on, bring into, or introduce into, any place subject to the jurisdiction of the Government of the United States, whether or not such landing, bringing into, or introduction constitutes an importation within the meaning of the customs laws of the Government of the United States.
Section 4 - LIST OF APPROVED SPECIES
Not later than 36 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a list of nonnative wildlife species approved for importation into the United States. Before issuing the final preliminary list of approved species under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide for, a period of not less than 60 days, an opportunity to submit public comments on the proposed preliminary list.
Section 5 - LIST OF UNAPPROVED SPECIES
The Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a list of nonnative wildlife species that are prohibited from importation into the United States except as provided in section 7 (get to that later)
- those species listed as injurious wildlife under section 42 of title 18, United States Code, or under regulations under that section, as of the date of enactment of this Act.
- DETERMINATION- Based on scientific and commercial information provided in a proposal under paragraph (1) or otherwise available to the Secretary, the Secretary shall make one of the following determinations regarding such a proposal in a reasonable period of time and in accordance with regulations issued under section 3:
(A) The nonnative wildlife species is not approved for importation except as provided in section 7, and is added to the list of unapproved species under this section.
(B) The nonnative wildlife species is approved for importation.
(C) The Secretary has insufficient scientific and commercial information to make a determination under subparagraph (A) or (B).there will be scientific studies done to see the impact each 'banned' species has on the environment/habitats/humans. They are not insta banning all 'exotic' pets.
SEC. 6. PROHIBITIONS AND PENALTIES. (this is where everyone is jumping off the bridge)
Except as provided in this section or in section 7, it is unlawful for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to--
- import into or export from the United States any nonnative wildlife species that is not included in the list of approved species issued under section 4;
- transport between any State by any means whatsoever any nonnative wildlife species that is not included in the list of approved species issued under section 4
- possess, sell or offer to sell, purchase or offer to purchase, or barter for or offer to barter for, any nonnative wildlife species that is prohibited from being imported under paragraph
- release into the wild any nonnative wildlife species that is prohibited from being imported under paragraph
this is where most of the problems come from...people discarding unwanted animals on the side of the road
- breed any nonnative wildlife species that is prohibited from being imported, or provide any such species to another person for breeding purposes
Pay attention kids!
(b) Penalties and Enforcement- Any person who violates subsection (a) shall be subject to the civil penalties and criminal penalties described in section 4 of the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3373). Sections 4(b), 4(e), 5, and 6 of that Act shall apply to such a violation in the same manner as they apply to a violation of that Act.
taking a side track here to explain Lacey Act
-may be assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary of not more than $10,000 for each such violation: Provided, That when the violation involves fish or wildlife or plants with a market value of less than $350, and involves only the transportation, acquisition, or receipt of fish or wildlife or plants taken or possessed in violation of any law, treaty, or regulation of the United States
-Any person who violates section 3372 (b) of this title may be assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary of not more than $250
So, in short they are going to charge you money if they catch you with the banned animal...does not say they're gonna take your parrot out back and break it's neck. Quit freaking out thinking that the cops are going to storm your door and raid your hamster cages. Also it's noted that you can appeal the fine, so you may not get anything besides a slap on the wrist.
Back to HR 669 now
-The Secretary may issue a permit authorizing importation otherwise prohibited under section 6(a)(1), for scientific research, 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 with respect to the specimen. Don't worry, ling ling the panda is safe.
-Nonnative wildlife species included in the list of approved species issued under section 4 shall be considered and treated as nonmailable matter. You can't ship the animals via UPS, sorry kids.
NONNATIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES- The term ‘nonnative wildlife species’--
(A) except as provided in subparagraph (C), means any live species or subspecies of animal that is not a native species or subspecies, whether or not born or raised in captivity;(B) except as provided in subparagraph (C), includes--
- any such live, wild species or subspecies of mammal, bird, fish, reptile, amphibian, insect, mollusk, crustacean, arthropod, coelenterate, or other invertebrate, and any viable egg, sperm, gamete, or other reproductive material or offspring thereof;
(C) does not include any species that is--
- specifically defined or regulated as a plant pest or approved for biological control purposes under the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.); or defined or regulated as a threat to livestock or poultry under the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.); and(D) does not include any cat (Felis catus), cattle or oxen (Bos taurus), chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), dog (Canis lupus familiaris), donkey or ass (Equus asinus), domesticated members of the family Anatidae (geese), duck (domesticated Anas spp.), goat (Capra aegagrus hircus), goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus), horse (Equus caballus), llama (Lama glama), mule or hinny (Equus caballus x E. asinus), pig or hog (Sus scrofa domestica), domesticated varieties of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), or sheep (Ovis aries), or any other species or variety of species that is determined by the Secretary to be common and clearly domesticated. In other words this is just the list of animals that the two guys writing this up thought of...not the all inclusive list of OK pets.
The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of the Interior. so send all your hate mail to him. Just make sure you are informed before you send rants about how cruel it is that your gerbil is going to have to die because of this.
This applies to most government bills, please read through them before you jump on the bandwagon of "OMG I can't believe they are going to kill all these cute fuzzy animals", or vote no cause so and so said it was dumb.
This bill is basically having to be put into place because of all the stupid pet owners that buy their kid an alligator, and then realize later that it's gonna eat them, dump it in a creek where your dog likes to swim on hot summer nights...and then your dog (or small child) gets eaten by said alligator. Basically the same thing as the vicious dog bills...stupid pet owners are screwing it over for the rest of us that know what the heck we're doing. Also reasons why wild animal refuges are in place.
Please be informed, and read things for yourself.
Head's up it's long, but if you rant about how stupid this bill is and don't have all your facts...you'll probabaly have a friend link you this so you can be informed.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-669
HR 669 - To prevent the introduction and establishment of nonnative wildlife species that negatively impact the economy, environment, or other animal species’ or human health, and for other purposes. AKA this is being put in place to protect the native deer, turtle, plants, ecosystem that is normally supposed to be here. (where ever here may be.)
The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, shall promulgate regulations that establish a process for assessing the risk of all nonnative wildlife species proposed for importation into the United States, other than nonnative wildlife species that are included in the list of approved species issued under section 4. (We'll get to Section 4 later) They are not insta banning all hamsters, snakes, gerbils, etc.
Some factors that will be considered -
- whether the species has established or spread, or caused harm to the economy, the environment, or other animal species or human health in ecosystems in or ecosystems that are similar to those in the United States
- the likelihood that the species would harm wildlife resources in the United States
- the likelihood that the species would harm native species that are rare or native species that have been listed as threatened species or endangered species in the United States under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)
- the likelihood that the species would harm habitats or ecosystems in the United States
- the likelihood that pathogenic species or parasitic species may accompany the species proposed for importation
Yes they said importation...The term ‘import’ means to land on, bring into, or introduce into, or attempt to land on, bring into, or introduce into, any place subject to the jurisdiction of the Government of the United States, whether or not such landing, bringing into, or introduction constitutes an importation within the meaning of the customs laws of the Government of the United States.
Section 4 - LIST OF APPROVED SPECIES
Not later than 36 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a list of nonnative wildlife species approved for importation into the United States. Before issuing the final preliminary list of approved species under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide for, a period of not less than 60 days, an opportunity to submit public comments on the proposed preliminary list.
Section 5 - LIST OF UNAPPROVED SPECIES
The Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a list of nonnative wildlife species that are prohibited from importation into the United States except as provided in section 7 (get to that later)
- those species listed as injurious wildlife under section 42 of title 18, United States Code, or under regulations under that section, as of the date of enactment of this Act.
- DETERMINATION- Based on scientific and commercial information provided in a proposal under paragraph (1) or otherwise available to the Secretary, the Secretary shall make one of the following determinations regarding such a proposal in a reasonable period of time and in accordance with regulations issued under section 3:
(A) The nonnative wildlife species is not approved for importation except as provided in section 7, and is added to the list of unapproved species under this section.
(B) The nonnative wildlife species is approved for importation.
(C) The Secretary has insufficient scientific and commercial information to make a determination under subparagraph (A) or (B).there will be scientific studies done to see the impact each 'banned' species has on the environment/habitats/humans. They are not insta banning all 'exotic' pets.
SEC. 6. PROHIBITIONS AND PENALTIES. (this is where everyone is jumping off the bridge)
Except as provided in this section or in section 7, it is unlawful for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to--
- import into or export from the United States any nonnative wildlife species that is not included in the list of approved species issued under section 4;
- transport between any State by any means whatsoever any nonnative wildlife species that is not included in the list of approved species issued under section 4
- possess, sell or offer to sell, purchase or offer to purchase, or barter for or offer to barter for, any nonnative wildlife species that is prohibited from being imported under paragraph
- release into the wild any nonnative wildlife species that is prohibited from being imported under paragraph
this is where most of the problems come from...people discarding unwanted animals on the side of the road
- breed any nonnative wildlife species that is prohibited from being imported, or provide any such species to another person for breeding purposes
Pay attention kids!
(b) Penalties and Enforcement- Any person who violates subsection (a) shall be subject to the civil penalties and criminal penalties described in section 4 of the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3373). Sections 4(b), 4(e), 5, and 6 of that Act shall apply to such a violation in the same manner as they apply to a violation of that Act.
taking a side track here to explain Lacey Act
-may be assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary of not more than $10,000 for each such violation: Provided, That when the violation involves fish or wildlife or plants with a market value of less than $350, and involves only the transportation, acquisition, or receipt of fish or wildlife or plants taken or possessed in violation of any law, treaty, or regulation of the United States
-Any person who violates section 3372 (b) of this title may be assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary of not more than $250
So, in short they are going to charge you money if they catch you with the banned animal...does not say they're gonna take your parrot out back and break it's neck. Quit freaking out thinking that the cops are going to storm your door and raid your hamster cages. Also it's noted that you can appeal the fine, so you may not get anything besides a slap on the wrist.
Back to HR 669 now
-The Secretary may issue a permit authorizing importation otherwise prohibited under section 6(a)(1), for scientific research, 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 with respect to the specimen. Don't worry, ling ling the panda is safe.
-Nonnative wildlife species included in the list of approved species issued under section 4 shall be considered and treated as nonmailable matter. You can't ship the animals via UPS, sorry kids.
NONNATIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES- The term ‘nonnative wildlife species’--
(A) except as provided in subparagraph (C), means any live species or subspecies of animal that is not a native species or subspecies, whether or not born or raised in captivity;(B) except as provided in subparagraph (C), includes--
- any such live, wild species or subspecies of mammal, bird, fish, reptile, amphibian, insect, mollusk, crustacean, arthropod, coelenterate, or other invertebrate, and any viable egg, sperm, gamete, or other reproductive material or offspring thereof;
(C) does not include any species that is--
- specifically defined or regulated as a plant pest or approved for biological control purposes under the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.); or defined or regulated as a threat to livestock or poultry under the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.); and(D) does not include any cat (Felis catus), cattle or oxen (Bos taurus), chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), dog (Canis lupus familiaris), donkey or ass (Equus asinus), domesticated members of the family Anatidae (geese), duck (domesticated Anas spp.), goat (Capra aegagrus hircus), goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus), horse (Equus caballus), llama (Lama glama), mule or hinny (Equus caballus x E. asinus), pig or hog (Sus scrofa domestica), domesticated varieties of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), or sheep (Ovis aries), or any other species or variety of species that is determined by the Secretary to be common and clearly domesticated. In other words this is just the list of animals that the two guys writing this up thought of...not the all inclusive list of OK pets.
The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of the Interior. so send all your hate mail to him. Just make sure you are informed before you send rants about how cruel it is that your gerbil is going to have to die because of this.
This applies to most government bills, please read through them before you jump on the bandwagon of "OMG I can't believe they are going to kill all these cute fuzzy animals", or vote no cause so and so said it was dumb.
This bill is basically having to be put into place because of all the stupid pet owners that buy their kid an alligator, and then realize later that it's gonna eat them, dump it in a creek where your dog likes to swim on hot summer nights...and then your dog (or small child) gets eaten by said alligator. Basically the same thing as the vicious dog bills...stupid pet owners are screwing it over for the rest of us that know what the heck we're doing. Also reasons why wild animal refuges are in place.
Please be informed, and read things for yourself.