03/08/2023
USARK FL FILES MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT IN LAWSUIT AGAINST FWC ON BEHALF OF REPTILE KEEPERS
The United States Association of Reptile Keepers Florida (USARK FL) has filed a Motion for Summary Judgment in their lawsuit against the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in case number 2021-CA-977 in Leon County Circuit Court.
View Motion for Summary Judgment here:
https://usarkfl.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/Filed%20Motion%20for%20Summary%20Judgment.pdf
From Fox 13 Tampa Bay:
"Reptile lovers are beginning to fight back against the state's rules, which they say are way too restrictive.
If you were to go to Family Reptiles in Lakeland, you could buy a ball python or a bearded dragon, but there are certain species that are illegal. Some local reptile lovers just took their concerns to court."
"Wisneski said reptile owners should be educated about the damages that non-native species can do if they escape. She said they shouldn't be banned all together.
That's why the United States Association of Reptile Keepers, Florida, recently filed a motion against the state that, if approved, would repeal Florida’s rule restricting reptile ownership.
"The state constitution gives FWC power over wildlife. We are saying that the animals that we have are captive animals under human care, They do not qualify as a wild animal," said Parker.
Reptile enthusiasts are not only concerned about the animals that are on the prohibited list, but they are also worried about FWC possibly adding new species to the banned list.
A judge will soon decide if that argument has any teeth."
View full story here:
https://www.fox13news.com/news/florida-reptile-group-files-motion-against-states-rules-prohibiting-certain-species