PURPOSE
Your voice is urgently needed; new FWC rules may force most small wildlife rehab centers in Florida to shut down.

WHY IT'S URGENT
Changes are set to take effect as soon as 2024. Act now to ensure adequate review and modifications.

SPECIFIC CONCERNS

Mandatory Vet Visits: A 72-hour deadline for vet exams burdens rehab centers financially and logistically. This puts centers at risk due to limited vet availability and conflicts beyond their control.

Age Restrictions: Limitations on housing animals older than 12 weeks could hinder extended care for certain species.

Subjective Enforcement: Ambiguous rules around "natural behavior and movement" allow room for subjective, potentially unfair enforcement.

Post-Permit Inspections: Unscheduled inspections even a year after a permit's expiration raise constitutional concerns.

Notification Requirements: Mandated 24-hour notices to FWC for accepting certain animals lack procedural clarity, risking wasted resources.

POSITIVE ASPECTS
Some changes, like improved apprentice processes, are positive but overshadowed by problematic areas.

SOLUTIONS

1. Delay rule enforcement until expert, non-political review.
2. Host formal public hearings for thorough stakeholder input.
3. Extend public comment period beyond one week.

For more detailed information and other resources related to this petition, please visit https://nfwrc.org/fwc