U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney’s Snake Import Ban Backed by Judiciary

A bill by U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, to ban the import or interstate trade of Burmese pythons and eight other species of snakes was given a favorable report by the House Judiciary Committee.

Large, invasive snakes are causing severe damage to Floridas environment, and they represent a danger to our communities, Rooney stated in a release.

Experts have estimated that there are from 10,000 to 100,000 pythons currently in the Everglades, likely due to pet owners who have set them free.

The snakes banned under Rooneys legislation, HR 511, are: Indian python (including Burmese python), reticulated python, Northern African python, Southern African python, boa constrictor, green anaconda, yellow anaconda, DeSchauensees anaconda, and Beni anaconda.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced in January that four of the nine species would be banned, a decision Rooney called a half-measure that wont provide enough ecological protection for the region.

These snakes have been responsible for at least 15 deaths, and theyve nearly wiped out the populations of several small mammals in parts of the Everglades, Rooney stated in Tuesdays release.

Banning the importation of these dangerous snakes is critical to the survival of the Everglades and its surrounding ecosystems, which simply cannot accommodate these massive predators.

The passage of Rooneys bill was applauded by the ASPCA -- The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The pet trade in these exotic reptiles poses serious threats to public safety, animal welfare, and the environment, Nancy Perry, senior vice president of ASPCA Government Relations, stated in a release. Passing HR 511 would mark a significant achievement for the welfare of these snakes, for the protection of our native species, and for the safety of our communities. The ASPCA urges support for this important legislation on the House and Senate floors.