12/05/2020
For all the reptile keepers, and pet owners in general, please take the time to show your concern for this Bill. Even though most of the animals on this list normally should not be kept as pets it shouldn’t be up to the government to make that decision. Also, the Bill itself uses the phrase ‘not limited to’ suggesting that they will most likely continue to add additional species to the bill if it were to be passed. So please take the time to follow the instructions put forth by USARK and email, fax or call the representatives to show your opposition to House Bill 6455.
ACTION ALERT: Michigan
UPDATE: This bill died but it may return next session. Please be sure you are signed up for email alerts for updates.
Read below or at https://usark.org/2020-mi-alert/.
A "dangerous reptile" bill was introduced on December 1, 2020. House Bill 6455 (HB6455) is sponsored by Representative Jim Ellison and was referred to the House Agriculture Committee.
HB6455 would classify the below reptiles as "dangerous reptiles." The bill bans future ownership and breeding of these reptiles (except for a few exceptions including AZA zoos). It does allow a form of grandfathering if current owners register their animals, purchase liability insurance (which will cost hundreds to thousands annually), and comply with the stipulations included in the bill (PIT tags, inventory, caging requirements, signage, etc.).
"Dangerous reptiles" per HB6455:
(I)A member of the order Crocodilia, including, but not limited to, an alligator, crocodile, gharial, or caiman.
(ii) A member of the family Atractaspidae.
(iii) A member of the species Dispholidus typus of the family Colubridae.
(iv) A member of the family Elapidae, including, but not limited to, a cobra, mamba, krait, coral snake, or Australian tiger snake.
(v) A member of the family Hydrophiidae, including, but not limited to, a sea snake.
(vi) A water monitor or crocodile monitor.
(vii) A member of the family Viperidae, including, but not limited to, a rattlesnake, cottonmouth, bushmaster, puff adder, or gaboon viper.
Read the bill at https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2019-2020/billintroduced/House/pdf/2020-HIB-6455.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1BMnmM7tIO8DWr4dCJ3EFZburkFKKEAQwM4o98A6wD8fn-o0Ih3CBnjCQ
HB6455 information page (just search 6455): https://www.legislature.mi.gov/
Bill sponsor Jim Ellison contact page: https://housedems.com/jim-ellison/
Agriculture Committee contact page link. Just click a name to see contact details: https://www.house.mi.gov/MHRPublic/CommitteeInfo.aspx?comcode=AGRI
Actions and Sample Messaging
Remember to be civil and professional!
What to do:
-Email the House Agriculture Committee members and bill sponsor (email list included below);
-Fax and/or mail letters (sample below). Be sure NO to HB6455 is clearly visible on any letter envelopes and faxes. You can find phone and fax numbers at the Committee contact page link above);
-Call the legisiator offices (contact information can be found in the Committee contact page link above). Your message can be as brief as you are opposed to House Bill 6455 banning certain reptiles;
-Set up meetings (likely virtual meetings such as Zoom, Microsft Teams, etc.) with legislators on the House Agriculture Meeting if you are an affected stakeholder. Talking Points can be taken from our sample letter below.
Copy/paste email list. It is best to email individually and personal greeting (Dear Representative Ellison, etc.):
House Agriculture email list: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Email/letter subject line:
NO to HB6455
Sample letter (always best to edit and personalize)
House Agriculture Committee member,
I write today as a responsible reptile keeper who will is alarmed by House Bill 6455. HB6455 will lead to unintended consequences. If Michigan legislators must take action on this matter, there are alternatives such as common-sense regulation that punishes those who are irresponsible.
While the species included in this bill should not be kept by most people, there are dedicated, responsible individuals who work with these species for a number of reasons. For example, the animals may play roles in educational outreach programs, online educational videos, or be bred to conserve the species.
I can agree that caging requirements, animal welfare, and safety protocols should be addressed. However, those matters are already covered by responsible keepers. A law that punishes the bad actors is what should be considered and not this ban. You do not ban driving because of one reckless driver. This bill is nothing more than collective punishment and a fine example of government overreach.
Bans will punish only those who want to comply while others will simply do as they please. You would not serve our state well by passing this ban. I hate to see my home state practicing bad government policy and tyranny. Mistruths and hysteria often revolve around reptiles. The media gets things wrong more often than correct while radical animal rights groups misinform legislators and the public. I do hope this is realized by the Committee.
I hope that I can count on you to do what is right by voting no on HB6455. It is not the role of the government to decide what responsible citizens can and cannot do inside their own homes or private facilities regarding matters that do not affect others. If you must take action, work with stakeholders on a common-sense regulation alternative to this ban. Many other states have taken the regulation route and it has proven much more effective and successful than bans. Thank you for your time and have a good day.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME (include your Michigan city or county)
