Hello, I'm contacting you to discuss the COMPETES act that was recently passed in the House. I support most of the items, in the bill, but I strongly oppose the amendments to the Lacey Act.
These amendments will be devastating to thousands of businesses of all sizes (which is absolutely contrary to the purpose of the COMPETES Act).
Millions of pet owners will be harmed by this misuse of the Lacey Act.
As seen previously when listing species as injurious under the Lacey Act, a heavy-handed brush is used to paint species as injurious that may only be an issue for one or two states, and hardly any large percentage of the U.S.
If one state has a threat, that state can address it. All other states should not suffer the unjust implications and restrictions.
The lack of forethought involved makes these amendments rife with unintended consequences and government overreach.
If these amendments pass, the Lacey Act will leave pet owners everywhere unable to move across state lines with their family pets.
This restriction would include prohibitions on interstate travel for veterinary care, for educational programs, and for relocation of family.
The impact will be disproportionately felt by military service members, who are often relocated multiple times during a pet’s lifetime.
For these reasons, please support removing the Lacey Act revisions section of the bill. Thank you for your time.
▶ Created on February 9, 2022 by Exotic pet owners
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