This is a copy of the letter I sent off. ANY ONE is welcome to copy it and send it as well. please remember you must sign your name to it,
In regards to: SENATE DRS65248-LLf-79 (2/24)
Short Title: Protection of Inherently Dangerous Animals.
I find that this bill will detract from the ability for vendors of the listed species to sell them and thus reduce profits for their business. Also it will detract from the legal keeping of the listed species and create an underground black market for the species. As such I could not endorse such a bill.
Just in the wording of what is considered “Inherently Dangerous Animals” The facts do not support the wording of this bill. Below are some facts as cited by “The Center for Disease Control {CDC}.” Dogs and Cat cause more harm to humans and wildlife annually then any of the animals you have listed. The statistics show more Fatalities caused annually by animals we consider “DOMESTIC” such as Dogs and Horse’s. The common house cat cause more damage to the natural environment throughout the WORLD by their predatory instinct then any of the animals you again have listed.
With this information so readily available for any accredited scientific organization or agency and the public and with the health and well being of the general public I find the laws you are attempting to enact to be NOT based on credible scientific information. Just dogs alone, According to the CDC
In 1994, the most recent year for which published data are available, an estimated 4.7 million dog bites occurred in the United States, and approximately 799,700 persons required medical care (1). Of an estimated 333,700 patients treated for dog bites in emergency departments (EDs) in 1994 (2), approximately 6,000 (1.8%) were hospitalized (3). To estimate the number of nonfatal dog bite--related injuries treated in U.S. hospital EDs, CDC analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP). This report summarizes the results of the analysis, which indicate that in 2001, an estimated 368,245 persons were treated in U.S. hospital EDs for nonfatal dog bite--related injuries. Injury rates were highest among children aged 5--9 years. To reduce the number of dog bite--related injuries, adults and children should be educated about bite prevention, and persons with canine pets should practice responsible pet ownership
Horses as Cited again by the CDC,
The most common cause of death and serious injury in all
riders is head injury; the percentage of these injuries
causing death and serious injury is higher in young riders.3,6
Cost of Injury
The cost of horse-related injuries among children and adults
younger than 25 years seen in emergency departments in
1996 is estimated at over $88 million. The average cost per
injury is estimated at $7,411.6
National Injury Estimates
In 1996, 25,446 emergency department visits were made by
individuals in the U.S. younger than 25 years as a result of
horse-related injuries.7 The most common types of horse related
injury treated in emergency departments in 1996 to
individuals in the U.S. younger than 25 years included
contusions, fractures, and strains.7
In 1996, emergency department visits by individuals in the
U.S. younger than 25 years involved in horse-related
injuries involved head/neck (25%), upper body (55%), and
lower body (20%).8
Common house cats are known to hunt for pleasure and thus pose a far greater concern to natural wildlife then any of the animals you have listed as dangerous. There are numerous scientific papers and research to prove this.
After doing some web searches I found there is over 1000 reptile related pet dealers in North Carolina. The proposed bill would have an effect on their business and also create less revenue to North Carolina and the dealers of the species listed.
Something to think about is reptiles for instance. You do not have just the animal to consider in the monetary reduction of profit but also the dry goods that would be sold to properly house and care for each species along with the food for them. This easily relates in to the hundreds of dollars or more per year per animal.
A boa Constrictor of 6 feet requires approximately an enclosure of at least 6 feet long 18 inches high and 3 feet deep. Most commercial produced cages in this size cost around $400.00 then add in for a heat light of $12.00 substrate for them of $10.00 changed every 2 weeks a water bowl $5.00 and prey for a year at $300.00 a year and you $727.00 in the first year alone. That is a very basic set-up and requirements and estimated values and cost. Not even including the cost of the animal which can vary from $50.00 to several Thousands of dollars. This is money that will be lost to North Carolina and the vendors who deal in these animals.
The same will apply to venomous reptiles as well as Monitor lizards each can vary in price but generally will be close in price to the above listed.Of course the cost in large Mammals will be dramatically higher.
It would be more advantageous for the State to enact a permitting and training system such as is already in place and has been working for numerous years in The State of Florida.
The Florida Permitting system insures that persons wishing to own/posses wildlife are properly trained and licensed by the state.
http://myfwc.com/permits/ This is the link to the Florida Permits as you will see they cover EVERY species you list and then some.
This type of system works and is proven! It would not be difficult at all for you to enact such a system and thus encouraging proper husbandry and education. The alternative is many people will keep these animals illegally thus creating problems for the state.
Obviously the benefits of a proper permitting system and allowing for the continued sales of these species, is a win/win situation for State of North Carolina and the private collectors. The state generates increased revenue in sales and permits and the collectors become better educated and are able to keep the animals with a permit that they wish.
North Carolina would benefit from such a system as the State would generate money from the cost of the permits and insure proper health and safety of the keepers of listed animals and the animals themselves.
Thank you for your time in reading this.
Sincerely
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