Legislative Alerts

Florida FWC Permit Holders Want to be HEARD!!!

Draft rule changes would give counties copies of FWC permit holders' Critical Incident and Disaster Plans. Publicizing this information would make these facilities more vulnerable to theft and vandalism.

Use NAIA's CapWiz form to let Nick Wiley, Executive Director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, know your concerns.

April 28-29 Meeting - Tallahassee (Havana) - Agenda

The Havana meeting is open to the public. The following items are listed in the draft agenda as requiring final rules:

b. Captive Wildlife

1. 68A-6.003, Facility and Structural Caging Requirement for Class I, II and III Wildlife
   • The proposed rule amendment requires the construction of new facilities housing Class I and/or Class II wildlife to meet local building codes. It also requires new licensees housing Class I or Class II wildlife for commercial purposes to meet local zoning codes appropriate for conducting the commercial activity.
   • Currently, FWC provides notification to the county upon each instance of a new license requesting authorization for the possession of Class I or Class II wildlife. The proposed change provides counties 30 days within which to notify FWC that the proposed facility does not meet local building codes and where applicable, local zoning codes. Should the county fail to notify FWC within the given time frame, the application is deemed in compliance with county codes. After continuing to work with representatives from local government and others, staff is also seeking approval of changes to the rule amendment as advertised. A Notice of Change will be published, following approval, to notify all interested parties of the changes presented to the Commission.
2. 68A-6.0022, Possession of Class I, II, or III Wildlife in Captivity: Permit Requirements
   • The proposed rule amendment would require licensees that possess Class I or II wildlife to provide a copy of "Part B" of their Critical Incident and Disaster Plan to their local County Emergency Manager. The proposed change addresses concerns expressed by counties.
3. 68A-6.005, Transportation Requirements for Wildlife; Caging Requirements for Performing and Non-Performing Animals
   • The proposed rule amendment would require labeling of shipments of live wildlife that are shipped in inter- or intrastate commerce. The label should include the complete name and address of the sender and receiver, as well as the numbers and species of animals contained in the shipment.
4. 68A-6.0024, Commercialization of Wildlife; Bonding or Financial Responsibility Guarantee
   • The proposed rule amendment would create an exemption from the requirement to demonstrate sustained and consistent commercial activity for "hobbyists" that possess wildlife primarily for their personal enjoyment, but still occasionally exhibit or sell their wildlife.

For all FWC meetings: http://www.myfwc.com/COMMISSION/

FEDERAL
Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act - HR 669

A hearing for HR 669, the Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act, was held in front of the House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife on Thursday, April 23. Marshall Meyers, PIJAC's CEO and General Counsel, representing pet owners and the pet industry, testified against the bill in its current form, explaining why, if passed, it could have devastating affects on pet owners, and the pet industry.

Current situation - HR 669 is still in its early stages and PIJAC has in no way ever insinuated that HR 669 is "dead." It is clear that Committee members from both sides of the aisle heard from the pet-owning public about their concerns with this bill. PIJAC will continue working with members of the Committee and their staff, the Executive Branch, and other stakeholders to ensure the process proceeds in a transparent, inclusive, and strategic manner ...... www.pijac.org ...... for the rest of the story.

Other Resources

A video all about HR669 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zDgIld_eM0

Visit www.afabirds.org and www.asabirds.org for details on how this act would affect bird owners.

Kingsnake.com - the information portal for reptile and amphibian hobbyists.

Rexano.org for the mammals.

Exotic Animal Legislative Alerts

To be on an "Exotic Animal Emergency List" to receive Alerts, emergency information, updates on current legislation please e-mail ffabirds@verizon.net with your e-mail address and name, as it is on the label of the postcard. This list will NOT be species specific.