Georgia Legislature Rushes to Regulate Reptiles; Hasty Move Could Cost Jobs

/PRNewswire/ -- Senate Bill 303, a bill that seeks to regulate the ownership and trade of certain reptiles is being rushed through committee. The bill introduced by Senator Douglas (District 17) would require a cost prohibitive permit system and micro chipping provision that could put reptile farmers out of business and take away the ability of people to own animals that are currently legal to own in Georgia. Penalties for violations of the statute could bring fines of up to $1000 and a year in jail.

Herpetoculture is a non traditional agricultural pursuit that represents a $3 Billion trade in the United States. Similar legislation at the federal level, although pushed aggressively by the Animal Rights Industry, has stalled do to severe impacts to small business and poor quality of underlying science being used as justification to shut down trade. The US Chamber of Commerce opposes the federal proposal citing, "this legislation would adversely impact tens of thousands of businesses". A group of top scientists from University of Florida, Georgia Southwestern State, The National Geographic Society commented in regards to "evidence" being used to condemn the industry, "It is a misrepresentation to call the document 'scientific,'" and further stated, "As written, this document is not suitable as the basis for legislative or regulatory policies."

The United States Association of Reptile Keepers, a reptile industry advocate, suggests a more balanced approach such as the law just recently passed in NC requiring caging standards and escape prevention protocols. Andrew Wyatt, President of USARK, insists that what is being proposed in GA will not add any level of secure containment. Wyatt says, "the bill we wrote and helped pass in NC addresses specific concerns with secure containment, safety and escape prevention that are not addressed in S303. Additionally it costs nothing and does not require state Dept of Natural Resources to administer. It is written into criminal statute." The USARK proposal actually provides a framework of best industry management standards that protects the public and the environment while allowing responsible ownership and trade to continue.

Georgia bill S303 will go to hearing for the second time before the Senate Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday, February 3rd at 2pm in the State Capitol.

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Santa's reindeer cleared to land in Georgia Christmas Eve

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin has granted a special 24-hour permit for nine flying reindeer to visit Georgia on the evening of December 24th and in the early morning hours of December 25th and has received a certification from the applicant that the sleigh and reindeer will be free of any foreign pests or invasive plant species.

The permit application to waive the routine identification and other health requirements was filed this week by a North Pole toymaker who signed the paperwork, “Kris Kringle.” The reindeer named on the permit are: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen and Rudolph.

Identification, laboratory testing, and certificates of veterinary inspection are part of Georgia’s health requirements which assist officials in protecting the health of animals in the state and help prevent the introduction of exotic diseases.

Responding to concerns from prior years that vehicles traveling from other parts of the globe can bring pests and invasive plant species and deposit them upon landing, Kringle submitted documentation for the sleigh and reindeer to be treated with a recently discovered natural repellant at the North Pole. All of the elements of the cosmic dust sprinkled on the animals and sleigh can be gathered while in flight in the stratosphere and reapplied as needed along the way. In the trial tests conducted no pests or invasive plants have been able to attach themselves to any animate or inanimate objects.

“This is an amazing horticultural breakthrough to protect us from anything that could be harmful to our Georgia crops,” Irvin said. “However, I have been informed that the repellant properties of the substance are activated only when touched by jolly old elves.”

Commissioner Irvin said that he consulted with State Veterinarian Dr. Carter Black and Dr. James Sutton, assistant commissioner plant industry division, on any dangers posed by the brief visit.

“This visit will not violate any of our biosecurity measures to keep out animal diseases,” Irvin. “As it was explained to me, these reindeer will be moving quickly, will only prance and paw on rooftops and will not intermingle with any livestock in Georgia.”

“Usually, few creatures are stirring that night,” Dr. Black added. “Not even a mouse.”

Dr. Sutton said the documentation on the repellant seems to be in order. “I believe that we should trust that his powers activate the substance’s properties to repel pests and invasive plant species. After all, he is St. Nicholas.”

"We are pleased to grant the temporary waiver to Mr. Kringle,” said Commissioner Irvin. “I and the employees of the Georgia Department of Agriculture wish him safe travels as he and his reindeer make deliveries to the good children of Georgia."

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Health Requirements for Flying Reindeer Waived by State Agriculture Department

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin has granted a special 24-hour permit waiving the routine identification and other health requirements for nine flying reindeer slated to visit Georgia on the evening of December 24 and in the early morning hours of December 25.

The permit application was filed this week by a North Pole toymaker who signed the paperwork "Kris Kringle." The reindeer named on the permit are: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen and Rudolph.

Identification, laboratory testing, and certificates of veterinary inspection are part of Georgia’s health requirements which assist officials in protecting the health of animals in the state and help prevent the introduction of exotic diseases.

“After consulting with our state veterinarian, Dr. Carter Black, I concluded these reindeer did not pose any threat to Georgia agriculture or violate any of our biosecurity measures to keep out animal diseases,” said Commissioner Irvin. “As it was explained to me, these reindeer will be moving quickly, will only prance and paw on rooftops and will not intermingle with any livestock in Georgia.”

“Usually, few creatures are stirring that night,” Dr. Black added. “Not even a mouse.”

"We are pleased to grant the temporary waiver to Mr. Kringle,” said Commissioner Irvin. “I and the employees of the Georgia Department of Agriculture wish him safe travels as he and his reindeer make deliveries to the good children of Georgia."

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Burn With Caution Advises Georgia Forestry Commission

Fall is in the air and soon you may be ready to burn a pile of yard debris. But before you strike the match, the Georgia Forestry Commission has some reminders to help you do that safely.
“The annual air pollution burn ban that covers much of north Georgia will be lifted on October first,” said Alan Dozier, Chief of Forest Protection for the GFC. “Outdoor burning is not permitted until after that date. And remember, a burn permit is always required.”

Residents who want to burn outdoors can obtain a permit by calling 1-877-OK-2-BURN. The call automatically advises if local conditions are appropriate for burning fires measuring less than 6’ x 6’. The caller’s zip code, telephone number and the call’s date and time stamp serve as a burn permit for both the caller and the GFC.

Residents may also contact their local GFC office for a permit or get one through the GFC website at www.gatrees.org.

“Georgia’s ongoing drought is still of concern,” said Dozier, “and the major cause of wildfire is debris burning that gets out of control. “In some instances, specific conditions will prohibit burn permits from being issued.”

According to Dozier, only yard debris can be burned. The burning of paper, household trash, plastics, or other man-made materials is prohibited and invalidates the permit. Fires are required to be extinguished by dusk and the permit holder must take adequate precautions to prevent flames from escaping. The automated system applies only to fires being burned outside city limits. Inside city limits, homeowners are required to call their local fire department for permission to burn. Landowners seeking permission to burn forest lands, agricultural space, or
debris piles larger than 6’ x 6’ should continue to call their local GFC County Office.

“With everyone’s vigilance, we can reduce the risk of wildfire and enjoy a beautiful autumn season,” Dozier said.

For more information on safe burning and forestry in Georgia, visit www.gatrees.org.

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