CBW Denial Applications

[deadheadvet]

We are in the process of compiling data to initiate a lawsuit with USFWS for all those who have had their permit application denied. The information we need is:
1. A copy of the original application
2. Copy of the denial letter from USFWS

Please forward all information to me or to Phil Goss, President of USARK.
The 2 e-mails are:
[email protected] or [email protected]

We already have 6 denial applications and denial letters. We can use as many as there are. Thanks.

 

[Yvonne G]

Kudos to you and Phil for taking this on!!!

 

[tglazie]

Best of luck. Hope reason prevails.

T.G.

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

I expect it to get worse!

 

[dmmj]

Best of luck. Hope reason prevails.

T.G.

reason Prevail? With the government that's the funniest thing I've heard all week

 

[tglazie]

Sure, I expect the worst, just like you fellas, but here's to hoping for the best.

T.G.

 

[deadheadvet]

I have an update.
The Branch Chiet's supervisor is Craig Hoover, it has become apparent that they are getting some attention because of the actions of Mr. Van Norman. Mr. Hoover has gotten involved in this and the first application was approved yesterday for Mr. Sterantino. Maybe continued pressure will force some change regarding this matter.

 

[tglazie]

This is excellent news. Hopefully this signals a return to normalcy.

T.G.

 

[RayRay]

what's cbw?

 

[Yvonne G]

Captive Bred Wildlife

 

[dmmj]

I am actually speechless.......

 

[RayRay]

Captive Bred Wildlife

oh ok thanks.

What all does this pertain to?

 

[RayRay]

oh ok thanks.

What all does this pertain to?

Species I meant sorry that came out rudely.

 

[deadheadvet]

It pertains to any species listed on the ESA (Endangered Species Act) The Radiated Tortoise and Galapagos Tortoise are 2 Species listed on the ESA that are not native to the United States. They have no business being on the ESA list since they are native to the United States. it is an arbitrary listing since both species are CITES Appendix 1 listed which is recognized worldwide. The rest of the world looks at the ESA listing as huh? If a species is listed as CITES Appendix 1, they can not be imported or exported from the country of origin. That should suffice but back in the 70's some fat cats with an agenda got these species listed on ESA and have been there since. This is not like the California Desert Tortoise which is native to the US and should be on the list. The CBW is a Federal Permit that is required when listed species are transported across state lines for financial compensation.

 

[RayRay]

It pertains to any species listed on the ESA (Endangered Species Act) The Radiated Tortoise and Galapagos Tortoise are 2 Species listed on the ESA that are not native to the United States. They have no business being on the ESA list since they are native to the United States. it is an arbitrary listing since both species are CITES Appendix 1 listed which is recognized worldwide. The rest of the world looks at the ESA listing as huh? If a species is listed as CITES Appendix 1, they can not be imported or exported from the country of origin. That should suffice but back in the 70's some fat cats with an agenda got these species listed on ESA and have been there since. This is not like the California Desert Tortoise which is native to the US and should be on the list. The CBW is a Federal Permit that is required when listed species are transported across state lines for financial compensation.

Ah I see so it is a list for native species but they decided to use it for redundancy for arbitrary reasons?

 

[deadheadvet]

yes, and it would take an act of God to remove a species from the list.

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

denial letters.

~ Do you know why the denials are happening or at least any common reason?

~ I know of a few that has also been denied!

 

[deadheadvet]

Greg:
The denials are from a personal opinion and agenda for the Permit Branch Chief Tim Van Norman. He strongly feels that the ESA listed species should not be sold for financial gain. It is his opinion that the CBW was meant to be available to Zoos ans AZA facilities and not for the Tortoise keeper, collector,hobbyist. He has forced significant delays in the application process to thwart movement of these animals across state lines. Finally enough attention has been brought to Craig Hoover who is Van Norman's supervisor and some movement in a positive direction has happened. It is not enough and we need to keep putting the pressure on. That is where we are getting help from USARK and any info you can get to Phil Goss would be a great help. Thanks Greg.
Evan