02/10/2022
Attention All Pet Owners...
The America COMPETES Act of 2022 (HR4521), which just passed the U.S. House, poses a major threat to the pet community and our industry. Although this bill is meant to strengthen the U.S. economy and empower American workers and businesses, it contains unrelated amendments to the Lacey Act that will have the opposite effect on businesses and hobbyists like us. These amendments could:
Label many of the reptile, amphibian, fish, bird, mammal and invertebrate pets that we keep and breed as "injurious". Yes this can and will be your cats someday as they become strays easily, your pit bulls too because they are deemed viscous. Think your voice doesn't matter, it does. Blow it off and not care now and your rights will get taken away one after another. Too lazy to take some time to voice your opinion to your senators, that's fine but I bet you'll scroll on and find stupid posts and funny stuff to post and reshare. If you haven't noticed the laws are changing and the government is enforcing us to follow dumb ass rules. You're being asked to take a vaccine to keep working or wear a mask daily aren't you? Each step closer to losing your rights and giving our government more and more control.
Ban all interstate transport of "injurious" species for any reason
Create a "whitelist" of species approved for import to the US, and ban import of all unlisted species
Empower the US Fish and Wildlife Service to enact an ‘emergency designation’ for injurious listings that becomes effective immediately after publication in the Federal Register without due process, public input, or advanced notice.
What does it mean for pet owners?
These amendments will make it harder to keep pets. Many of the pets you keep now would be labeled "injurious" by the federal government. Taking them across a state line for any reason, whether it's for veterinary care, education, or moving, would become illegal.
What can YOU do to help?
Call, email, fax and write your senators! Click the link below to learn more:
UPDATE 2/4: This bill passed in the House and will go to the Senate. We will adjust our alert to contact Senators at the appropriate time. It was a slim margin with the final vote at 222-210.