ACTION ALERT Oregon state: Comment by March 4.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has proposed some rule changes which will negatively impact both native and exotic animal keepers. The changes may even harm the animals by requiring sterilization of animals that are rarely, if ever, sterilized. While good intention may be the basis for these proposals, ODFW may not be aware of the negative impacts associated with the new rules.

One big change is that it will be illegal to keep animals listed under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). This list includes many non-native species that have been kept and bred in the U.S. for many decades, hence, not affecting wild populations. That list includes not only herps like Radiated tortoises, but many macaws, other birds, fish and even chinchillas. which are commonly kept as pets.