stupid florida laws rant

[Toirtis]

What I'm saying is the animals they've chosen to outlaw have been selected based on emotional criteria rather than factual.

I disagree...I am quite familiar with Florida's laws and I do a lot of biological/ecosystem impact studies as part of my prefession...most of what is included in Florida's laws is of real concern...the rest might be a bit aggressive, but I believe your authorities have learned to err on the side of caution with exotic species.

 

[msouth468]

It looks good to me. All those laws make sense.

 

[reptileguy2727]

i think it is good to help protect the environment from people who disregard it when dumping their foot long peacock basss into a lake (or these days at best a "water management channel") because they thought they would get a bigger tank by the time they needed it. and i dont think it is a prerequisite to have already damaged the environement in order to limit any particular species (such as the fw stingrays that have yet to prove damaging to the ecosystems). i do think it is rather stupid to take steps like these to protect the environment while allowing some developer to simply pave over it.

 

[tricksterpup]

i think it is good to help protect the environment from people who disregard it when dumping their foot long peacock basss into a lake (or these days at best a "water management channel") because they thought they would get a bigger tank by the time they needed it. and i dont think it is a prerequisite to have already damaged the environement in order to limit any particular species (such as the fw stingrays that have yet to prove damaging to the ecosystems). i do think it is rather stupid to take steps like these to protect the environment while allowing some developer to simply pave over it.

I agree with this a 100%. Florida is loosing lots of its natural beaches and country side every day because of Urban growth. We are hearing the stories of Alligators attacking people. Hmmm. well I live along side Large Predators why should they see me as a food source? I am slow and have no external protection on my body, easy food.
Minnesota counties are starting to adopt strict Exotic Laws as well. In Minneapolis, it is illegal to own an Iguana and other large reptiles. And in out lying counties, they are making it hard for people to own big cats. Its amazing how many people in this state own large cats.

No one seems to know for sure how many tigers, lions and other big cats live in Minnesota, but the danger is evident. The recent fatal mauling of a Pine County woman, who worked extensively with tigers, raises new concerns about the effectiveness of a 16-month-old state law that was intended to regulate the ownership of tigers, lions and other exotic cats. Neither that law nor a patchwork of municipal ordinances makes clear how many people own dangerous animals.


"A lot of people in Minnesota ask, 'Why do these people have to have these exotic animals anyway?' " said Lakeville Police Chief Steve Strachan.

But many states are just making Blanket Laws to cover all Exotic animals, its much easier that way than to list everything individually. Its for your protection as well as the animals. I agree with the law against Iguanas. I personally own one. He was an adoption, cause he was an unwanted pet.
To many Iguanas die in captivity, people get bored with them or do not give them proper care for life.

 

[reptileguy2727]

there are many animals that need to be outlawed or at least more controlled, it just seems usually the ones that are outlawed are the ones that have a direct threat against humans. there arent enough laws to protect animals against idiots who think they know what they are doing, will get a bigger enclosure when it gets bigger, or simply look at the animal as disposable and replacable. this thread is based on laws trying to limit highly destructive species in a unique ecosystem that is already being thrown off balance. that is a good thing in my opinion. i think a healthy ecosystem is more important than every hobbyist being able to get whatever their heart desires.

 

[monkey_toes]

i think it is good to help protect the environment from people who disregard it when dumping their foot long peacock basss into a lake (or these days at best a "water management channel") because they thought they would get a bigger tank by the time they needed it.

Regarding peacock bass, the state of Florida intentionally introduced both butterfly peacocks and speckled peacocks to south Florida canals back in 1984. The goal was to provide a new sport fishery in waters that were too polluted to support native largemouth bass. Also, the peacocks were supposed to eat up all the exotic tilapias and oscars that were already a familiar part of the Florida aquafauna. The sport fishery is thriving, but so are the tilapia and oscars (and dozens of other cichlid species). The state proclaims the introduction as a huge success, BECAUSE PEOPLE SPEND MONEY TO CATCH PEACOCK BASS. The fact that native bass and sunfish are now rare in the places peacocks are found (not just Miami-Dade anymore; they're all through the Everglades) is officially the result of polluted water or competition from nonsanctioned exotics; never mind that very aggressive piscivore we stocked. The economic benefit far outweighs the environmental detriment. Sure it does.

 

[monkey_toes]

to my understanding, piranah's were banned because people were introducing them to lakes and such and they can actually live in the environment.

>.> Might want to check it out but I heard people were getting bitten.

The only references I can find in the NISbase database are a few scattered Serrasalmus rhombeus and some old reports of Pygocentrus nattereri back in 1979. I can't find any reliable source reports of anyone being bitten in the wild in Florida. When I was a kid, there were always rumors of piranhas being caught in the Peace River or Lake Okeechobee. Just that — rumors.

 

[monkey_toes]

But many states are just making Blanket Laws to cover all Exotic animals, its much easier that way than to list everything individually. Its for your protection as well as the animals. I agree with the law against Iguanas. I personally own one. He was an adoption, cause he was an unwanted pet.
To many Iguanas die in captivity, people get bored with them or do not give them proper care for life.

And not just iguanas but many species that are difficult to care for as adults. I have a suggestion.

For any fish that exceeds 2 pounds as an adult, any snake that exceeds 5 feet, any lizard that exceeds 2 feet, any chelonian that exceeds 1 foot, and any mammal not recognized as a domestic species (dogs, cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, etc.) ownership will require a free state-issued permit. The permit will be provided by the seller of the animal, and will be required private sales as well as retail. Prior to providing the permit, the seller will advise the buyer of the adult size and care requirements of the animal being purchased, and of the penalty for releasing the animal. The buyer will then fill out an affidavit stating that he or she has been so advised. The seller will mail the affidavit to Tallahassee, where the buyer's name, address, and species purchased will be entered into a database. Release of any animal requiring a permit would become a felony — 3 years mandatory prison time. Release of any other exotic wildlife would also become a felony, 1 year mandatory.

No lawmaker will suggest this. The pet industry would have them killed, politically speaking. But when I rule the world …