New Reptile Laws! 

A very important point you discussed was the idea that any problems with your permit can end your permit. You get 90 days to get rid of your animals and the entire event will create a nightmare for the keeper. They plan to make it so difficult the pet keepers just give up. We need to bring other pet keepers such as fish, birds, exotics etc into the conversation too! K

I became a gold member of USARKFL and will be at the meetings in May. I only have 2 Ball Pythons but we need EVERYONE involved!!!

Thank you for speaking on this issue and for suppling the links to make it easy for us to join the cause. I do not have my reptiles yet, but we plan to retire in South Florida soon, and we want to have the right to have Radiated Tortoises, Rhino Iguanas, and a Black Throat Monitor. They are loving pets to many, just as my dog and cats are to me now. I would hate to see wonderful places like Kamp Kenan not have the ability to keep, breed and teach us about these amazing animals. We're behind you...good luck to all

This makes me so sad! I live in PA and we have a lot of restrictions owning certain animals. This country is falling apart, taking our rights away. People will be hiding their reptiles!

Pitbull owners got the courts to overturn laws that discriminated against specific breeds. Hopefully USARK-FL can do the same.

The aquarium hobby has white/black list per state for years and years and it always pissed me off. I hope this can be fought off

When you said anything that can breed in Florida I instantly said “well then put humans on the list.”

All of this legislation is completely out of control lately! If the Lacey act bill that is within the competes act goes through, I may lose my entire business, as well as so many others. If Florida starts passing and overreaching with all of these new laws, we are all in a world of trouble. If Florida falls, we all fall.

Goodmorning man! Thanks for the update as always, and for spreading the word about what’s going on!! It’s heartbreaking to watch happen and I hope things settle down soon, and get better for the sake of the amazing animals we love!

Dale is getting larger, maybe it's because they have more space and a happy gator becomes a large gator. Hope you plan on signing up to speak for the reptile keepers in Florida, as you said it's important. Thanks Kenan

I'm in Saskatchewan where they surprised us with a white list and black list in June of 2021. It is devastating. My best wishes keeping this from happening in Florida.

I know Fred is thrilled beyond belief with what has been done with snaggle tooth and dale. They have come around so much since being at your place and they’re so content and happy it’s awesome!! Love seeing their personalities!! Thank you for all that you do to make this world just a little bit better!

Well said Kenan. You are a true warrior for these animals.

While I love Chandler and Tyler, I have to agree with Donny and NERD on one point... giving any "clout" to the people who do the stunts that show these animals as "invasive" or "monsters" is more responsible for this than anything else... I appreciate your maturity and overall outlook on the subject... I'm worried about the laws coming for my State next.. Keep strong, and Hope!

I have been watching you for years, you have educated me so much on ALL the animals that you have. It would be a SHAME to have these wonderful pets took away. Somethings are just not right. My prayers go out to you and all the wonderful keepers of these beautiful animals.

Dale seems almost social. She is always showing curiosity. Very interesting !

I was big into firearms when the bans were popular in the 90's. Now I got back into reptiles now, when these white lists popped up. It'd be nice to have a hobby that government did not want to regulate and ban.

I've been watching you for years and inspired me to keep smaller reptiles the right way. I hope that this bill doesnt get passed.

I love how jungle-esque Slinky's enclosure looks, truly amazing. I hope they do the right thing and not less this pass, it keeps people from educating and more.

Florida needs to realize how important they are to the world.

Unfortunately, many of these laws are passed by 'townies' who have no experience with any other animals but cats and dogs. They don't care or understand and don't want to. Fight your corner because your opinion is as valid as theirs. The difference being, you have informed knowledge, they, for the most part, don't.

I really don’t want this to happen. I plan on getting a Cuvier’s dwarf caiman this June and I’m getting ready for it. I’m afraid that this law will prevent me from getting one and I’m worried about what reptiles I will be able to have. Here in North Carolina, our laws on crocodilians are a bit laxed besides having a secured and sturdy enclosure inspected by Fish and Game. If this law happens, then that will ruin my plan to have one. I hope and pray this law never gets passed.

I’m scared that they’ll be able to pass the whitelist/blacklist in Florida, because it doesn’t affect only in US. I live in Finland in Europe and here the gatekeepers watch and follow closely what they do in Florida even though our climate is more like in Canada. I hope they can’t make it.

None of these laws are based on logic. It's mostly based on some level of misunderstanding of these animals. Here in Arkansas burms, retics, rock pytons etc... were blacklisted within the past couple of years. The weather here is certainly too harsh for them to survive in the wild. So what's the reason, too dangerous? Horses can be as well, but they'll never go after such common kept pets. I introduce as many people I can to my reptiles, and more often then not their minds are opened to how amazing they are. Don't let them take this from us. Keep up the fight.

There's an island in Norway where cats are banned, actually, and I've heard of mentions about a curfew for them in Australia, I think? So it's not unheard of... Some people out there seem intent on banning the entire pet trade, and livestock in agriculture... Imagine if they banned beekeeping, our planet will become short-lived very quickly...

In most states there's a huge stray cat issue. They're getting as common as squirrels. But like he said it's fluffy so the government will never do anything about them.

I just loved how as you were talking about how if these laws were attempted for cats and dogs, slinky comes running over like a puppy wanting a back scratch and of course for a treat. I really hope that somehow these laws are not introduced and the reptile community joins together to stop this.

I raised exotic birds in the early 90s and use to go to Miami to go to Gators which was a quarantine station and would see employees throwing green iguanas over the wall that had a broken tail . They also did it to the buffo frogs and I am sure other animals as well. That’s what started all these invasive species. Also back in the 90s you also seen people buying Quaker parrots for 40.00 so when they did not want them anymore they just let them fly out the door. This was started by irresponsible people. Keep up the good work

It's such a shame, in Italy it's happening the same. Unfortunately.

This is a hard topic. Wishing you the best KENAN!

I've learned more about reptiles and their care in the last 2 years than I have in my entire life combined. I find myself wanting a Black Throat REALLY REALLY BAD 😄😄

I’m not an attorney thank god, im a student of medicine, activist, and public health practitioner. I enjoy viewing your channel as well as watching crutchfield and other animal husbandry people. Its really wonderful to see that there are others who give a shit about animals and that you all are so open to let us witness the intimacy and thought behind your efforts. I take so much inspiration from hearing and watching you guys and gals explain in detail what it takes to care after all types of animals. I think of Blake’s ranch and chandler and Fred and wow u take away so much in the form of educational evidence based empirical data that it makes quite the impression on your followers. Sorry for being long winded, but i wanted to state that for the record because it needs to be. Now, suppose that you all didnt have the animals to look after ? What would happen to all that gusto and passionate energy that you develop and have developed thru out your exploits? Would there be a possible negative trail that would be blazed if you weren’t in this industry but still had that drive? Of course.. of course you might be totally in a different place. So, this thing that you all do which is care after animals, is providing you with a protective effect. In our our fast paced dog eat dog world of corporate conglomerate america, we are living longer but with disease burden due to the stress and bull shit that we have to navigate, but look YOU AND THE OTHERS HAVE FOUND A POSITIVE OUTLET THAT HAS POSITIVE OUTCOMES HEALTH WISE FOR YOU AND THE BABIES. SO why take that away from you, makes no sense. Your state has crazy people legislating and well the entire usa. I know that was long but here im just giving you all praise and a shoutout. Finally, although in my heart of hearts i believe that you all are doing great things for conservation, it leads me to the only thing i would point out may be your argument. Here is my story/suggestion. A few years ago i was taking care of my father who was terminally ill, i had to cut the lawn and several trees down, there was stacks of wood to dispose of and the cost to remove was in the thousands. I was just a premed back then prior to starting med school and well i was poor, real poor. I didnt even have pockets to put money in. Now, i started to think wat can i do? Il burn it said i, and i did and then the fire department was called because you guys arent the only ones with asshole neighbors. The fire chief comes in and i explain wat i was doing and that i was trained by chicago fire dept but now im in South Carolina.. instead of issuing me a fine he understood that which i was doing was a good thing. And so our politics met and he says hey u can only burn on these days and hours …. WAIT FOR IT…. UNLESS ITS UR RELIGION!!! AND THEN IF ITS YOUR RELIGION WE CANNOT ASK YOU TO VERIFY YOUR RELIGION JUST BASED ON THAT STATEMENT WE CAN DO NOTHING… holy shit the chief just gave me a pass and excuse and he was kool…. We both laughed because i was like a worshipper of fire is a pyromaniac and pagan but hell if it lets me do what i do than it is wat it is… YOUR RELIGION IS THE WORSHIP OF REPTILES GUYS AND YOU ARE AFFORDED YOUR RELIGION IN THE CONSTITUTION…. Hey its a stab at the dark but there.. ive said stated my two cents.. GOD BLESS DONT STRESS…. Oh and by the way that female alligator is shady man she is shady…she bad to the bone ….

Now you know how us shooters feel while constantly having our hobby attacked. Except our hobby is an actual, enumerated, constitutional right - no matter how much someone may hate it. Your only recourse is to fight them in court like we have to constantly do to protect our hobby/right. Only in the last 15-20 years have we been winning, but winning is winning. Good luck with your hobby because no matter how much the data/statistics are in your favor - they WILL NOT stop attacking. We know this from a vast amount of experience. But you have to FIGHT BACK. You have to break a few noses(so to speak) to teach them a lesson. Next time they attack you(and they will) it will be with less vigor. You have my sympathies.

Thank you for all you do. Seeing the tortoises gave me the smile I thought I lost. Thank you. Keep on.

Great job Kenan! Someone taking this serious!!!!! We are in big trouble folks we must be on the same team. We need to think about our actions when they are seen by non pet keepers! We don’t want the world to think we are irresponsible, thoughtless and non animal loving ! Thank you buddy!!! If it can live in Florida it’s in trouble! K

As a Aussie my question to you Kennan is are these laws coming from state or federal level? Also my friend it should be if you dont have any marks against your name and have proper secure habitats in your own land then should be allowed to continue what you do!! Dont get me started on animal rights activists

its all about control. If the government, state or federal, sees you enjoy something they want to regulate it and tax the hell out of it so we cant enjoy anything without paying. After getting a taste of the power of control from the pandemic they will never give it up. Their need to micromanage and profit off our resources, life styles and happiness will only get worse.

These RU-vid channels are so important to educate people so that there are less irresponsible owners. To take away these owners rights would be criminal.

I believe in animals being kept and helped in captivity and it hurts to see people trying to enlist laws that try to get rid of captivity cared animals and its especially bad for the keepers and helpers that are responsible enough.

banning everything just isn't the way to go, it isn't going stop the problems from happening. I get how you have to have permits and it should be regulated but banning it all together is just wrong

From an animal lover here in Australia I truly wish you guys the best outcome for all the reptile keepers there and I hope enough people speak out on this issue and the government actually listen!

I am a part of a reptile and exotic animal rescue in North Dakota. We currently serve everyone from Montana to Wisconsin and down to Iowa. This law would not allow us to help any animal outside of North Dakota. We could not transport across state lines or adopt to other states. We could not take any animals to specialist vets in other states. We live 10 minutes from the North Dakota/Minnesota and could not help our own neighbors. This law is terrifying to not only the breeders but also the rescues.

They could require reptile keepers to register their animals and put hefty fines to those trapped in the wild that are found to have escaped or been abandoned. It would pay back for FL expenses and efforts to contain the issue and promote effective ownership at the same time. The fact that they don't even consider this (there was a conditional program before and it worked well according to the stats) means there is no conversation in the first place. BTW, there's photos and testomony of iguanas been in the keys from the early 1900s, when pet trade didn't even exist, they arrived floating on debris in open seas from nearby islands where they are native, which in the Caribbean is not uncommon. Irresponsible owners made it possible for them to establish an invasive population because it was totally unregulated, iguanas were sold at any pet store w/o any registration or education to anyome who had a few bucks to spend. The phytons got out of a huge facility close to the Everglades after Hurricane Andrew. Put up a registration program for these reptiles, ask for fees to register and renew and establish fines, this will keep them away from inadeguate owners and fine the irresponsible ones. This is the middle ground that needs to be sought, although very few hears are there to listen.

We need to as Kenan said raise some holy hell, let our voices be hears. Write your state senator's and representatives let them know the reptile community is part of conservation. Let them know we are not ok with them telling us we can't keep reptiles, that bans are NOT the answer!!! Like Kenan said most of these species need human intervention to incubate and hatch. Keep a cool head and state facts not opinions. Let your representatives know, you don't stand for the unjust laws against reptile keepers.

You can't punish the 98% for the wrongs of 2%. Cats are also the most destructive introduced animal in all the US.

Love your enclosures, and all your animals. It shows how much you care.

I love we can breed cats all we want and they are the number 1 invasive species on the planet. The bird populations they destroy is mind boggling.

Thanks for the info Kenan. I know im in LA, but it will affect us out here also. I will deffinatly do what i can to help so all of us can still enjoy our critters/friends for years to come.

Someone like you and your friends aren't like most people tho, there should be something in line for professional keepers such as yourself. You're more of a sanctuary than anything else, you're a necessity.

I just read The article about Fred in Reptiles magazine. It was very nice of them to include that.

Don’t they understand that this is about conservation as well. Just about all reptiles can survive in South Fl, so are all reptiles going to be banned for sale to the public in FL? I have Burmese Star tortoises and private collectors are helping to preserve this species.

I am a snake keeper in Connecticut. Those laws in Florida will eventually spread like malignant cancer, as politicians jump on the misinformed cause. Anyone can become a member of USARK and fight these horrid prohibiting laws. You do such a great job conserving your animals. Reptiles are wonderful and your channel shows how they really act. How can they ever think of removing your permit? We can also not vote for anyone who signs pending laws to ban reptiles.

Thanks for the update

Thank you Kennan for bringing up dogs and cats!!! Ahh thank you’d

Florida reptile keepers, need to work hard to vote the current governor and senators out of office. When you have a governor and senators that are banning words and books from classrooms, don't feel shocked or surprised, when they start telling you what animals you can keep "wake up",!!!!

This is irrelevant to the video, but at the time stamp 5:25, there is a ficus tree growing way too close to the aquascape pond. I advice you to remove that otherwise it could puncture the pond liner with its aggressive root system, (which are known to crack concrete, pipes, foundations and retaining walls). Not only the pond is at risk but also any electrical and plumbing equipment in the area, since it’s close to the house.

This all makes me so mad. Everybody and there brother can keep cats while they cause more damage to the ecosystem than any of these reptiles but noooo lets get rid of the reptiles.

I don't live in FL and don't have large lizards but I do have 2 ball python. I love reptiles and believe if you can give them a good life, you should have the right.

I love your channel and have learned so much about different ones I cannot/ wouldn’t keep. That’s absurd. There should be more talk and understanding. Is there a petition? I will put my name in it!

Lots of compelling thoughts - hope so much, they'll reach the right minds. Please continue that good work, dear Sir.

One of the many reasons I left the USA when I retired was to get away from the laws that govern the keeping of Exotics. What a pain for you and all involved. Good Luck with this.

Hi my name is Devion, I’ve been watching you since your first video. I just wanted to say that I’m a huge fan and to keep up the great work!

This channel should be the largest reptile channel on youtube..

FWC seems to be going after reptiles really hard!! My question is, why they didn't fight harder to control all these feral cats? Way I see it ppl come to FL to hunt,catch, fish,buy a lot of those reptiles which brings the state money. I don't see ppl planning trips here to FL to do all those things for a feral cat or any cat really!!!

My mom moved to Florida, I was looking forward to visiting all my favorite reptile RU-vidrs, in the spring seasons. You are a regulated preservation , you will be getting a ton of surrendered pets. Before the City euthanizes them. God bless you, for all you do, DAILY.

It is so important to educate people in reptile husbandry and help prevent poor pet keeping which can end in dumping these animals in the wild which I suppose is why the legal aspect is rearing its ugly head once more. Arrogant politicians and a ignorant city- idiots making life shite for the majority once more. Wishing you all the luck in the world kenan from a massive uk fan xxxx

Thank you for sharing!! Your place is awesome!!

These laws are killing my dreams before I can get them started

Slinky"s enclosure looks awesome!.

This is so scary when politicians get together and decide what they think should happen without gathering extremely important information and White listing and ultimately black listing. I live in Wyoming and I have Sulcatas. I don't want to lose the privilege of caring for my pets. This is a travesty and should not be allowed. Kamp Kenan is spectacular and the care and efforts put into these animals is just remarkable, including Jerry and your other friends. I am going to be writing in as well. Thank you so much for this important update. You Sir are a very conscientious person. Thank you for everything you do!!!

Praying for all….🦎🙏🏻🐍

I agree.captivity is very important for education and conservation purposes, and also we love seeing you so happy to have such amazing wildlife. 🙏🏻

It’s sad to see these laws take place and taking away these amazing animals from such responsible owners. I could never own these animals as I wouldn’t be able to provide for them. I have had an interest in reptiles my whole life and I come to channels like yours so that I can learn about them and still see them living their best lives in a habitat that is exactly what it would be in the wild- but much safer. I agree with having permits for certain animals, but banning them completely is just ridiculous. I really hope we can win this fight!

Lol I hit that blank button again!! Thank you every person in this would for caring about our wildlife, animals and humans. It shows there's more compassionate people in this world they we realize.

Great video kenan, hope the laws aren't passed

Kenan, work on getting a zoo license. That'll solve all your worries and open doors for different liberties you don't have right now. Think about it, seriously... God bless!

Just donated thank you for the link.

Hi Kenan! I've been watching you for a few years now and definitely feel for you and other reptile keepers in your state since legislators and regulators can be frustrating to deal with. I work closely with environmental regulations in another State and I can say that changes to regulations/updates to regulations typically have a public comment period of some kind. I highly encourage you, and anyone else who feels passionately about this, to write a comment or participate in the public hearing. PLEASE NOTE: comments that are entirely emotional responses are allowed to be disregarded because they are biased and don't have a solid scientific or regulatory basis. As such they can be constituted as nonrelevant and essentially tossed out/ignored. It would be easier to make a comment in defense of specific species to get them included on the "white list" than preventing the regulation entirely. I suggest having peer reviewed articles and scientific papers ready with data supporting that these animals would not survive in Florida without human interception. I.e. too much ground moisture so eggs would rot, winter temps get too low so they would die without enclosure heaters, etc. Numbers on how much these animals provide financially (from selling offspring) and how much it would cost to get rid of them. At least in my State, there is a huge pressure to prevent "undue burden" which has a strong legal standing in court. These animals require a lot of resources, namely money (which is pretty much the big ticket item in legislators minds), and therefore the process and cost of getting rid of them is undue (excessive/disproportionate) when compared to a scientific basis that these animals would not survive in the wild and therefore would not be able to spread and become an invasive species. Just my two-cents. I'm sure USARK has all kinds of lawyers tackling this from all possible angles but the general public definitely has points that they can make and it's important that as many people as possible have regulatory and scientific ground to stand on when making comments. Asking them to "show their work" so to speak with regards to certain species just may be enough to get them to say "okay you're right, we don't have enough proof for that species so it will come off the black list". Best of luck to you, you may or may not see this comment but maybe it will help or inspire somebody!

It's so sad that people who haven't a clue about conservation are drafting and passing these kind of laws

We have to stand up as exotic animal lovers. Thank you for being a voice. This 📎 will affect A LOT of different aspects of our world 🌎

So crazy people can neglect and abuse dogs or cats and reptile keepers are having their animals taking despite meeting said requirements l, people can negligently breed dogs n not take care of them but responsible reptile breeders are being punished:( so sorry Kenan

Nice share. Interesting to watch. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

For me in Scotland UK 🇬🇧 ur channels are the only way I get to see some of these different animals so I really hope it all works out for you, Chandler, Tyler, Will and so many others I watch. It makes me wonder is it cause there are so many of yous doing it and making a living from it xx🤔🤷‍♀️🇬🇧

Thanks for being a warrior for our cause! Please never give up slinky NO MATTER WHAT! You might have to become an outlaw but they what we signed up for when we got these animals

I think the best thing we can do if we can ward this off is to establish our own best standards and practices within the exotic s communities, and keep to them. We have to hold ourselves to the highest keeping standards, take the initiative to help control feral pops, make "contained or dead" disaster plans and not give the "banning baddies " any talking points. Optics is power these days. We can't just keep going as we are. We NEED a better image than GDI exotics geeks that won't be told., or even if we get Lacey shot down this time, eventually we will be told.

Gosh Slinky’s enclosure is SOOOOOOOOO IMPRESSIVE!!!

Thank you so much for sharing your opinion. I am very concerned for our country. Laws like these are passed on false data, Its evidently clear that we take care of animals so much better than many other parts of the world. Honestly have some beef with the regular pet industry because most don't guide the proper way to care for anything living.

One thing these people will point out is that some people don’t keep these beautiful animals in correct surroundings, there are people that will be refused their licenses which won’t bother them as they will just steal someone else’s animals! Make sure you find yourselves a great lawyer that has a lot of environmental issues, they were definitely understand your plight! I live in the UK and I haven’t studied US laws and state laws so find an amazing lawyer with lots of interest in this subject! Also speak to a lawyer and ask if there is anyway they can reduce costs , it would be better to group up with your fellow reptile keepers! I Wish I could help you, keep talking about this issue on your platform and get other keepers or breeders to do this on their platforms!

So much love man to you and your animals man.

Awesome video gonna spread the word and your good works

I understand some of this is badly needed... growing up down here and visiting the Glades, living along a canal, railroad tracks, almost all small mammals are gone, I see no otters, fox, rabbits etc they have been wiped out . There are so many exotics loose and breeding which includes, fish, parrots, toads. ( dont forget plants) ..its a shame that bad owners, Hurricanes, dumping of unwanted pets etc etc have lead to where we are today.... I grew up with any thing non exotic we could catch and make as pets and also had exotics myself...but in my short 50 plus year life span I've seen what the loose exotics have down to South Florida and also other parts of the world. South Florida is probably lost forever and will never regain its natural eco system. But I still love exotics :O)

Sadly a lot of these laws come about because of bad characters in the business. People that are the equivalent of a puppy mill. They don’t care about the animals like you do. They just care about the money they can get for breeding them. I remember watching a show on Animal Planet years ago where the police and wildlife officers were having to trap tegus. The animals were tracked back to a breeder that had insufficient caging for his animals and they were escaping into the community. Instead of fixing the situation he just tried to hide that it was his animals. Permitting and regulations are all well and good for those that are willing to follow the laws. Sadly most of these people that cause problems don’t care about what laws they break. So it will only affect the honest and law abiding people. Sadly people cannot see the difference between the two groups and refuse to understand that things will only get worse when they make the black market the only option. Laws only stop those that follow them.

It’s a shame that the people in power (not just in Florida, but everywhere are so undereducated). They get their piece of paper and lose focus of what it really means to be educated. They have no idea how much damage they do with their inconsistency. I have never seen a time in this country where people have been so divided, so easily. The information that can be gained from studying our natural world is immeasurable. Now, some people will claim that these animals are not in their natural world. To a point, I agree. The difference is, I don’t believe banning anything solves your invasive species issues. If COVID has taught us anything, it’s that people do not like to be mandated to do (or not do) anything. Imposing bans will cause more illegal activity and therefore increase the odds of introduction of invasive species. You need to allow the community to police itself in this instance. I know Governor DeSantis has a huge problem relinquishing control, even when it benefits his constituency. If you really want our trust and admiration, do things that will be good for everyone and stop thinking about that one idiot. Trust me, we’ll take care of the idiot or at least that’s how it used to be done. Don’t be the bully and then claim everyone not thinking your way is an enemy. That’s not how to build trust, and right now, that’s what all politicians lack…trust.

Yep.

its always bureaucrats that no one voted for making decisions on a board that no one asked for. i found this to be a problem for almost anything in the U.S

Your exactly right Kenan. Stand up for your rights! What you, Chandler, Tyler, Brian, etc... do with the reptiles is educational, etc. Fight back!

Our gov't is out of control. There are far too many laws and too many politicians with their noses in our business and their hands in our pockets.

Similar senario we have in Norway, with our "allow list".

Your an ambassador for these animals teaching people and we love it! Those stupid laws have been hovering for months and it's heartbreaking whats going on, politics is absolutely to corrupt to be allowed an opinion really!!

You nailed it 100% with the dog and cat comment. Cats are so destructive to the bird population, dogs are equally destructive to other wildlife and I absolutely love both, and own both, but they’re “cute and cuddly” and could never be banned. I’ve been bitten by more cats and dogs than ever by my reptiles. I hope something can help these people see that they are overreaching and hurting these animals and the keepers that own these animals responsibly 🙏🏼