In section 71102 of the America COMPETES Act (HR 4521), there are proposed amendments to the Lacey Act. These proposed amendments would make it illegal to transport many animals (mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, and invertebrates) unless they are put on the "white list", a process that will take years.

This will put many breeders and rescues out of business and ruin many people's livelihoods. It will make it illegal to bring a pet across state lines for a veterinary visit or moving. This will especially hurt military families who often have to move and some veterans rely on exotic pets for emotional support, especially if they are allergic to traditional pets. This will mean they have to leave their beloved pet behind. It will also increase reliance on wild-caught animals in the pet trade, since many importers break laws already.

This is a blanket ban and isn't relevant to most states. If an animal has a small chance of breeding it will not be on the white list. For example, day geckos are invasive in Hawaii. Because of that they won't be put on the white list and it will be illegal to transport them between states. This means that the only ones widely available will be wild-caught. It's estimated that 95% of reptiles will be banned, that will likely include popular pets like ball pythons, boa constrictors, and dart frogs. Restricting wildlife ownership is a job for individual states, not the federal government.

This is government overreach and it needs to be stopped NOW, before they continue banning our beloved pets. This has already passed the House of Representatives, so don't let it pass the Senate. Email your Senators today and sign this petition and others so they don't take our pets away, this is only the first step.

https://usark.org/2022lacey/

Pg. 1845 https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20220131/BILLS-117HR4521RH-RCP117-31.pdf