We need help in MO as a bill is calling our birds 'wild animals' HB 1847

[Birds4me]

We need help in contacting senators and representatives. This bill states that parrots, finches, doves, pigeons, budgies, and canaries are wild animals. We will not be able to breed, buy, sell, or trade them to anyone. They will grandfather in people that own birds if they buy a permit for each 'wild animal' they own. If you try to give or sell a bird your permit will be revoked and they have the right to remove the wild animal from your home and humanely euthanize it. People under the age of 21 will not be able to own a bird or get a permit for one. BTW falcons and hawks are not listed as 'wild animals'.

See for yourself:

http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking...ro/HB18471.htm

We need to join forces to stop this. Please consider helping! Thank you!

[Birds4me]

I'm not sure what happened I typed it correctly. The first part is ok add after billtracking/bills081/biltxt/intro/HB18471.htm

[isoscelestri]

I think this is the link: http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking...ro/HB1847I.htm

[Birds4me]

In my second post everything is right until HB1847.htm I believe that extra 1 should not be there. Sorry!

[isoscelestri]

I think the problem was that it's supposed to be a capitol "i," I copied that link from the list of bills on their site.
Anyways, that's kind of scary that they're thinking of deeming birds wild animals and restricting ownership as such. I know birds aren't domestic... but they can make very nice companions for people that can treat them right. It seems like there a few states/cities that are trying to make it harder for people to have exotic pets (my father just told me that sugar gliders have been banned in St. Paul, MN). Although, I don't think it would be a bad idea for states/cities to recommend people taking classes on bird/exotic animal ownership if they want one as a pet. Just some basics about cage sanitation, feeding and clean water, life expectancy, socialization, and advocation of veterinary care. There seem to be a lot of people don't seem to know what they're getting into with "small" animals.

[LyndaM]

I just read on another message board, that this bill is dead in the water -- for now. Many people on that other board believe these bird crackdowns are a result of misinformed politicians panicking about bird flu.