WashingtonWatch.com - H.R. 669, The Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act

Comment by SARA (November 7, 2009, 01:00:00)

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

IF YOU WERE TRUE HERP & EXOTIC PET LOVERS, YOU WOULDN'T WANT THEM TO BE FORCED TO BE IN A CAGE IN YOUR LIVING ROOM, YOU WOULD WANT THEM TO BE UNDISTURBED IN THE WILD LIKE THEY WERE MEANT TO BE AND NOT TO BE A THE MERCY OF HUMANS WHO MOST OF THE TIME CANNOT EVEN CARE FOR THEMSELVES LET ALONE AN ANIMAL THAT REQUIRES SUCH SPECIFIC NEEDS AND KNOWLEDGE TO SUSTAIN EXISTENCE. IF YOU AREN'T IN FAVOR OF THIS BILL, YOU ARE NOT A TRUE ANIMAL LOVER, YOU ARE A SELFISH PERSON WHO WANTS AN ANIMAL FOR YOUR OWN PLEASURE SO THEREFORE YOU LOVE YOURSELF MORE....

Comment by Reverend Josh Taylor (August 19, 2009, 01:00:00)

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Looks like my two dogs have to go thanks to HR 669. Not only pet shops are going to close because of this bill, but Kroger, Walmart, and other supermarkets will close because we can't own any of our farm animals. One small step for control of global food supplies, one large step for global starvation. Come Quickly, Lord Jesus and take us home from this dark world and into your glorius mansion where we'll never go hungry ever again. Amen....

Comment by Dana (July 1, 2009, 01:00:00)

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Like every other bill that congress trys to pass it sounds like someone hasn't done all their homework. Yes I'm for making it illegal to operate puppy mills and I don't like the idea of someone raising exotic snakes..But to make it illegal to have a pet ferret or hedgehog, please! Next!!...

Comment by Piranha Lover (May 15, 2009, 01:00:00)

Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Beacuse they are retarted and love to f up the US way of life!!!...

Comment by evamkir (May 14, 2009, 01:00:00)

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

So my fish breed on their own in my tanks. Do I have to seperate them all out? Because I could be fined for breeding them...that seems pretty cruel. My fish have it pretty good and show no signs of stress and bring a lot of joy to my home why is this the governments business?...

Comment by Levi (May 11, 2009, 01:00:00)

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Why don't they just pass this law in the states that it is a problem in. I know that many Sulcatta Tortoises get put out by people who just don't care, but that only happens in some states, not all of them. My opinion, they need not worry about it, yeah maybe worry about importing, but not take away the pets that people already have and care for. if they took my pets away, that would be like them taking my kids away. i think this is a crock of poop....

Comment by Kristen (May 10, 2009, 01:00:00)

Sun, 10 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

what is our government coming to? if you politicians got off your high pedestals and actually payed attention to "we the people" rather than your own beliefs... our government would be in a hell of a better place. things like our economy and poverty and the war should be the main focal point of politics, not who owns what pet. while i can see the validity in this bill-it would lower the mass production of animals from places like puppy mills- but if that is the purpose, right a bill focusing on that, not killing all foreign animals. and if virus and disease is why this bill is being passed, make a bill focusing on vaccination policies or something. obviously we americans have plenty to say about this, so let us. is'nt that what the framers of this country is built us on?...

Comment by Jon laCour (May 8, 2009, 01:00:00)

Fri, 08 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

I am an avid aquarist. My wife and I have used our reef aquarium experience to teach basic biology to many young children, in her class room and outside. The diversity of a reef aquarium is only possible due to the hard work of the industry that currently not only strives to bring a unique piece of God's creation to our homes, but also serves to educate and preserve the world's reefs. Without their support, not only do we suffer the loss of enjoying unique creatures, but many people here in the US and in struggling island nations (US territories) will loose their businesses. In some places, this is their only way of providing an income to support their families. Despite abhoring adding more legislation to our already cumbersome government, at a time when unemployment is at crisis levels, we should not be supporting adding more laws that will end up in more job loss. Let's get smart about which nonnative species are harmful, and not throw the baby out with the bath water....

Revision by webmaster (May 6, 2009, 01:00:00)

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

H.R. 669 would prevent the introduction and establishment of nonnative wildlife species that negatively impact the economy, environment, or other animal species' or human health.

Detailed Summary

Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations establishing a process for assessing the risk of all nonnative wildlife species proposed for importation into the United States, other than those included in a list of approved species issued under this Act. Sets forth factors that must be considered, including the identity of the organism to the species level, the native range of the species, whether the species has caused harm to the economy, the environment, or other animal species or human health in similar ecosystems, and the likelihood of establishment or spread of the species in the United States.

Provides procedures for issuance and expansion of a list of nonnative wildlife species approved for importation and a list of nonnative wildlife species that are prohibited.

Establishes prohibitions on: (1) importation or transportation between states of nonnative species that are not included in the list of approved species; (2) permit violations; and (3) possession, purchase, sale, barter, release, or breeding of such species.

Exempts from such prohibitions actions by law enforcement personnel to enforce this Act or by federal or state officials to prevent the introduction or establishment of nonnative wildlife species. Declares that nothing in this act restricts the importation or transportation between states of such species by a federal agency for its own use if the species remains in its possession. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits authorizing otherwise prohibited importation for scientific research, for 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.

Allows the imposition of fees on persons who submit a proposal to include a species in either of the lists to recover the costs of assessing risks of nonnative wildlife species. Establishes a Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Fund into which such fees and fines for violations will be deposited.

Redesignates the Invasive Species Council established by Executive Order 13112 as the National Invasive Species Council.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 4/23/2009: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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Comment by Chad (May 2, 2009, 01:00:00)

Sat, 02 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

DOGS were brought over here from Europe. COWS were brought over here from Europe. We can't breed these any more?...

Comment by Jay Willis (May 2, 2009, 01:00:00)

Sat, 02 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT

OK, so We have the animals, but can't but can't get any more after this, nor can We get rid of them say something go wrong in Our lives, So now what do We do? We can't sell them, We can't even geve them away, and it' snot like the zoo is going to want them. This is how the invasive species started in the first place. People got this cute little pacu from the fish store, it grew to the size of a house cat, and could no longer care for it, so have to let it go in the river.... Thi sban will put a stop to all import/sale/trade/transport of ALL non native species! Say goodbye to You fish, mice, frogs,birds, and turtles folks!...

Comment by darin (April 27, 2009, 01:00:00)

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

i currently own parrots and they are non threatning, and very lovable, ever think that cats and dogs are the ones in the human society that are problematic and destructive think of all the money spent catching them when people dont take care of them, i see alot more cats and dogs on the street then any other animal that is a pet...

Comment by shocked in Texas (April 23, 2009, 01:00:00)

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

This is Peta extremists and the good old Humane Society at work. Guess they have all the feral cats,abused dogs, and horrific dog breeders under control.If they took all the time and money spent on their insane bills all the above mentioned problems would be handled.LETS START A MOVEMENT TO DONATE ONLY MONEY GOING TO DOGS/CATS when writing a check to the Humane Society....

Comment by D.E.B. (April 23, 2009, 01:00:00)

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Should you agree in protesting this bill, visit www.nohr669.com to monitor and protest this bill! This bill is horrible for all animal life everywhere, and must be stopped!...

Comment by redtail (April 23, 2009, 01:00:00)

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Oh yes, just what we need another law to inhibit people from enjoying a harmless hobby. well at least the drug dealers wont have to give up there pit bulls....

Status as of April 23, 2009

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

4/23/2009: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Comment by Bethany (April 22, 2009, 01:00:00)

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

This bill is too far sweeping. Just because a tropical species is dangerous is Florida, doesn't mean it's going to be a problem in Maine or Colorado (using the burmese python as an example). This needs to be dealt with on the state and local level, not the national level....

Comment by llovelace (April 22, 2009, 01:00:00)

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Hey fish scales are you stupid!! read the bill or have someone explain to you what the effects that this bill would have on us....

Comment by alexa (April 22, 2009, 01:00:00)

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

this is the most idiotic bill ever. for a few reasons- 1) hey work on something more important 2) we destroy our own sh*t. its not really just nonnative species, its us humans that like to destroy nature. 3) PETS? are you serious? 4) if you vote for this it's probably some trickery. apparently lately everything has just been bullsh*t....

Comment by Scott (April 22, 2009, 01:00:00)

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

The purpose of this "act" is NOT to be proactive in biosecurity, it is to push the agendas of special interest groups. Yes it WOULD effect hamsters, guinea pigs, fish etc... If you actually would read the full text of the bill you'll see that there is a specific list of animals that are "ok" and the rest would be outright banned if they were not added to the ok list. Problem is that there are no provisions to add anything to the ok list which is why this bill is so scary. It is written vaguely on purpose. Do some research on HSUS, PETA, WWF etc... and see how many animals they actually kill per year. You will be shocked and appalled. They are not animal rights groups, they are anti-pet groups and would gladly euthanize your pet instead of letting you own it. HSUS has publically stated they want ALL pet ownership ended by 2050. This means cats and dogs too and this bill is their attempt at a stepping stone. DO NOT SUPPORT THIS BILL!...

Comment by rachel (April 22, 2009, 01:00:00)

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

how could Bird breeders be happy if we can sell our birds- or even breed them for that mater this is a load of crap! im totally agains it. if you have a fish, its illagal with this bill practacly! DOWN WITH HR 669!!!! DOWN DOWN DOWN!DOWN DOWN DOWN DOWN!!!!!!...

Comment by concolor1 (April 22, 2009, 01:00:00)

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Hmmm, risk assessment for non-native species... I wonder, are human beings included in this category? In terms of damage, I think they belong right at the top of the list... What has become apparent to me is the triumph of hysteria over reason; the vast majority--probably on both sides of the issue--are woefully ignorant of politics and policy formation, general science, and a myriad of issues as they seek simplistic solutions--or equally simplistic arguments against them--to some very real problems. As for the law itself, before we cosign it to the flames, it is worth recognizing that there is a huge gap between a law passed and signed and the policy decisions that reasonable, educated people make in implementing that law. A little grad school stuff to quiet the hysterics, anyway (lots of luck there!), one hopes... Beyond JoeBlow's words above, I've read little to persuade me the shrill voices possess much enlightenment. More education, less fear mongering, please....

Comment by Kevin (April 20, 2009, 01:00:00)

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

What Congress needs to do is come up with a less sweeping bill,that covers species that have no business being kept as pets,rather than those that may or may not pose a threat to our native ecosystems.Go online any day of the week and you can find a dizzying array of species that do not belong in the private sector(all big cats,great apes,zebras,aardvarks,fossas,mongoose,asiatic vultures,lemurs,marmosets,armadillos,anteaters,penguins,you get my drift).None of the above critters need be kept as pets!Now on the other hand the majority of non native birds,reptiles,small mammals,and aquarium fish just don't need to be banned.I believe in our right to own pets be they domestic or exotic.Native or not.Just pass legislation to prevent the ownership of jackals,rhinos,hippos,owls,porcupines,sloths,capybara,and other animals people feel they have the need to "own",that just don't belong in private hands as "pets"!...

Comment by Redbird (April 19, 2009, 01:00:00)

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Here's what this bill really means for pet owners and breeders trying to save endangered species. Where is the line between protecting our native environment and animal cruelty? This seriously blurs things. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FPfL212CB8 Karen Modeski...

Comment by katie (April 18, 2009, 01:00:00)

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT

If you saw the number of animals I see die inside the pet store i work at because people think it is ok to import cute furry animals and breed them in hordes, you would vote yes to this bill....