New England Herpetological Society

**** IMPORTANT LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION -- PLEASE READ THIS! ****

Two herptile related bills have been introduced on the federal level, HR699 in the U.S. House of Representatives, and S373 in the U.S. Senate.

S.373, A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to include constrictor snakes of the species Python genera as an injurious animal, was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Florida Senator Bill Nelson.  *** S.373, also known as "The Python Ban" is in committee right now.  Click the links below for the latest information.  A letter campaign is ongoing with a deadline of January 12th.  Click this link to see how you can help RIGHT NOW!!!! 

H.R. 669, Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act, a bill to prevent the introduction and establishment of nonnative wildlife species that negatively impact the economy, environment, or other animal species' or human health, and for other purposes, has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Madeleine Bordallo.  The bill is co-sponsored by 12 House members (listed in content below) including Rep. Barney Frank and Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, with the backing of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and Defenders of Wildlife.  While H.R. 669 is not technically defeated, the bills main sponsor has acknowledged in committee that "changes will be needed to address various concerns before any legislation moves forward."

USARKS (U.S. Association of Reptile Keepers) and PIJAC (Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council) have launched active campaigns to fight both legislative items.

A friendly reminder.  All annual NEHS memberships expired on December 31st.  For those that haven't renewed yet, the February meeting and renewal reminder will be the last one you receive.  You can renew at any meeting, and also online by clicking the Membership tab on the left side of the screen.  If you have any questions about your membership status, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Cheers,

Mike

The New England Herpetological Society is a group of reptile and amphibian enthusiasts. Our goals are education, conservation and the advancement of herpetology. Society members have unique opportunities to further their knowledge of and participation in all aspects of herpetology.

Originally known as the Massachusetts Herpetological Society, it was founded in 1972. As the membership base began to expand beyond the borders of Massachusetts, we changed our name to the New England Herpetological Society.

The New England Herpetological Society is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are 100% tax deductible.

Our goals:

• To promote the discovery and dissemination of amphibian and reptile information.
• To encourage the specific study of amphibians and reptiles.
• To encourage the conservation of amphibians and reptiles, as well as wildlife in general.
• To stimulate fellowship among herpetologists and herp enthusiasts throughout New England.