United States Association of Reptile Keepers

Founded 2008
Type 501(c)(6)
Focus Animal welfare, Animal law, Wildlife conservation, Herpetoculture and Herpetology
Method public education, science-based analysis, media outreach, litigation, legislation, public policy
Key people
 Phil Goss (President)
Website usark.org

The United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization. USARK describes itself as "a science, education and conservation based advocacy (organization) for the responsible private ownership of, and trade in reptiles."[1]

Founding

USARK was founded in 2008 to protect reptile keepers and breeders from an increasingly restrictive regulatory environment. The co-founders of USARK included Andrew Wyatt (founding principal), Mack Robinette, Lou Sangermano, Ralph Davis, Doug Price, Sherry Tregembo, Jeff Ronne, Warren Booth, Shawn Heflick, Brian Sharp, and Dan and Colette Sutherland. This group would become the USARK Board of Directors electing Andrew Wyatt as president and CEO in April 2008.

USARK is credited with pioneering advocacy for herpetoculture, the captive care and propagation of high quality reptiles and amphibians. In the early years, USARK developed a large grassroots component known as the "Reptile Nation." Today it is estimated that the reptile industry generates roughly $1.2 billion in annual revenues.

In February 2013, Phil Goss was elected as president of USARK.

President Phil Goss stated in an interview that every American should have the right to own any reptile, but not every person should own one. "Be prepared and willing to accept the responsibilities of any reptile you buy for his entire life."[2]

Lobbying

USARK has done extensive lobbying of proposed legislation that affects species within its mandate.[3]

In June, 2014, USARK lobbied the United States Fish and Wildlife Service opposing the listing of five species of snakes (Boa constrictor, Reticulated python, DeSchauensee's anaconda, Green anaconda and Beni anaconda) as injurious under the Lacey Act. Listing the species was said to result in a ban of interstate transportation/commerce and importation; essentially resulting in the species vanishing from the pet community.[4]

Position statements

On conservation, USARK recommends approaches to maintaining biodiversity of reptiles that involve breeding in captivity. Also suggested are maintaining deep-freeze DNA repositories and seed banks.[5] USARK endorses "caging standards, sound husbandry, escape prevention protocols, and an integrated approach to vital conservation issues."[1]

USARK also outlines Best Management Practices for reptile shows, public health, and public safety.[6]

References

  1. 1 2 "Mission", USARK, accessed August 15, 2014.
  2. ↑ "10 Questions with Phil Goss, President of USARK", Scott Wesley, LLLReptile, accessed August 15, 2014.
  3. ↑ "Accomplishments", USARK, accessed August 15, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Constrictor Rule and Exotic Lawsuit Updates from USARK", Jeff Howell, Frog Forum, accessed August 15, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Conservation", USARK, accessed August 15, 2014.
  6. ↑ "Best Management Practices", USARK, accessed August 15, 2014.
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