04/24/2026
It’s time to stop thinking of our reptile collections as just "hobbies" and start seeing them as a community under threat.
Whether you have one leopard gecko or an entire breeding facility of retics, our rights are being challenged. Legislation often moves faster than we do, and without a united front, we risk losing the animals we love and the businesses we’ve built.
USARK - United States Association of Reptile Keepers is our frontline defense. They fight the legal battles, educate lawmakers, and protect the future of herpetoculture. But they can’t do it alone—they need our voices and our support. They can't help us if they don't hear our voice!
Look at what’s happening in right now. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) recently voted to pass a new wave of prohibitions that directly impact keepers and breeders. As of April 16, 2026, many species—most notably tegus and several other genera—have been added to the prohibited list.
This means:
Strict Bans: Future possession, import, breeding, or sale of these species is now prohibited.
Mandatory Registration: Current owners must register their animals by June 30, 2027, just to keep what they already own.
Creeping Legislation: These changes follow previous bans on large constrictors and new, restrictive permitting for venomous species.
This is exactly why we can't afford to be passive.
What happened in Arkansas is a blueprint for what can happen in your state next. If we don't stand together now, we’ll be forced to stand apart later. Join USARK today and let’s protect our right to keep, breed, and enjoy these incredible animals. I have personally been on the phone with USARK today and will be posting more about what we can do to help fight this legislation.
We will be drawing for a free USARK membership - just like & share this post to enter. Help spread the word and make our voices heard.
