United States Association of Reptile Keepers
| Founded | 2008 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Andrew Wyatt |
| Type | 501(c)(6) |
| Focus | Animal welfare, Animal law, Wildlife conservation, Herpetoculture and Herpetology |
| Location | |
| Method | public education, science-based analysis, media outreach, litigation, legislation, public policy |
Key people | Phil Goss (President) |
| Slogan | "An Education, Conservation and Advocacy Organization for Herpetofauna… Promoting Awareness, Responsible Care & Professional Unity" |
| Website |
usark |
The United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization based in Grandy, North Carolina. 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 founding principle was Andrew Wyatt, formerly the founder and president of the North Carolina Association of Reptile Keepers (NCARK). The co-founders of USARK included Mack Robinette, Lou Sangermano, Ralph Davis, Doug Price, Sherry Tregembo, Jeff Ronnie, Warren Booth, Shawn Heflick, Brian Sharp, and Dan and Colette Sutherland. This group would become the USARK Board of Directors electing Wyatt as president and CEO in April 2008.
As president and CEO of USARK, Wyatt was a charismatic and controversial figure that was interviewed by National Public Radio (NPR), The New York Times and Playboy Magazine. He is credited with pioneering advocacy for "herpetoculture," the captive propagation of high quality reptiles and amphibians, and testified as an expert witness before the United States Congress in 2010 and 2012. His work at USARK also included development of 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. After serving as the leader of the "Reptile Nation" for five years Wyatt resigned from USARK in 2013 because of "philosophical differences" with the Board of Directors.
In February 2013, Phil Goss resigned his position as a sales manager for Zoo Med, a pet supply and equipment manufacturer, and 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 2 "Mission", USARK, accessed August 15, 2014.
- ↑ "10 Questions with Phil Goss, President of USARK", Scott Wesley, LLLReptile, accessed August 15, 2014.
- ↑ "Accomplishments", USARK, accessed August 15, 2014.
- ↑ "Constrictor Rule and Exotic Lawsuit Updates from USARK", Jeff Howell, Frog Forum, accessed August 15, 2014.
- ↑ "Conservation", USARK, accessed August 15, 2014.
- ↑ "Best Management Practices", USARK, accessed August 15, 2014.