[gieriscm]

During the last legislative session in WV, HB4393, the "Dangerous Wild Animals" (DWA) Act, was passed. The law states that anyone who owns a DWA must get an annual permit for it (cost $100), and must obtain a $300,000 liability insurance policy with a $250 deductible to cover the animals.

This law also created a "Dangerous Wild Animals" Board comprised of a member from DNR, DHHS, and Agriculture. The Board is tasked with deciding which animals to include on the DWA list.

The list is out and it's not pretty. As it stands today it includes:
- All turtles and tortoises,
- Many fish, including all catfish species and even aquarium fish like neon tetras,
- Most rodents, including many rat, mouse, hamster, gerbil, rabbit/hare, and guinea pig species, - Many birds,
- Amphibians such as frogs and toads,
- Hedgehogs,
- Sugar Gliders,
- Ferrets,
- Constrictor snakes,
and a host of other species that are commonly kept as pets, all of which are at the link I posted.

If you are on Facebook there are sample letters and the common names for the species on the list available on the group "WV_Reptile Watch", as most people don't know the scientific names for their pets.

The public comment period ends 7/31. PLEASE send in your comments.

[The Sons of Liberty]

I'm not positive what species this is, but it certainly should be on the list:

[E. Pluribus Unum]

"The more numerous the laws, the more corrupt the government." --Tacitus

There are already so many federal laws that the average person commits three federal felonies a day.

http://www.threefeloniesaday.com/Youtoo/tabid/86/Default.aspx

“Did you really think we want those laws observed?" said Dr. Ferris. "We want them to be broken. You'd better get it straight that it's not a bunch of boy scouts you're up against... We're after power and we mean it... There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws. Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens? What's there in that for anyone? But just pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced or objectively interpreted – and you create a nation of law-breakers – and then you cash in on guilt. Now that's the system, Mr. Reardon, that's the game, and once you understand it, you'll be much easier to deal with.” ― Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged

[DanielRedfoot]

So a gold fish or a hamster is now a public safety hazard. Glad they have that Meth problem all taken care of.

Nice work WVA.

I would send a nice FU letter with no return address.
Anyone sending in questions will surely be visited by the MRAP goon squad

[FLAMING DEATH]

What are you all worried about? Clearly, this is for the safety of all West Virginia residents.

That’s why they included:

All species of turtles
Chinese Mystery Snails
New Zealand Mud Snails
Zebra Mussels
Gobies
Hedgehogs
Whales
Dolphins
Manatees
Salamanders

I can’t imagine what would happen if a rabid zebra mussel went berserk and started terrorizing the countryside.

[WayneS]

Is the Jabberwock on the list?

[WayneS]

Also, jackalopes are incredibly dangerous; yet I do not see them on the list.

[P.O.E.]

If you're against this law, it's because you support the tea party's war on women

[DCBryan1]

They need to add pit bulls to that dangerous animal list. And democrats.

[PAR35]

Gerbils? Someone on staff either believes urban legends or tried it out themselves.

[PAR35]

Gerbils? Someone on staff either believes urban legends or tried it out themselves.

[Veto!]

I don’t think I’m on this list.

http://proof.nationalgeographic.com/files/2014/07/MM8117_140710_36969.jpg

[ChildOfThe60s]

bump

[WayneS]

I was chased by an assault tortoise last week. I almost had to walk fast in order to escape.

[WayneS]

Gerbils COULD be dangerous - if you’re Richard Gere...