I just got word from New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance - Bill S1768 (aka A1237) was heard by the Senate Environment Committee 0n 5/15, and I was not notified.
Meanwhile, NJ F&W sent a FAX containing their side of the story, calling upon the Committee NOT to approve Bill 1768, and it was held. It remains before the Senate Environment Committee.
Also there to give testimony in opposition of the Bill were Mr. Pissaro (sp?) from the DEP and Ms. Wallover (sp?) from the Audubon Society!
The Bill is also up for a vote this Monday in the full Assembly.
Listen to the false notions that NJ Fish & Wildlife tried to spread via FAX.
Here is the link to hear the Senate Environment Committee hearing from this past Monday, May 15: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/media/archive_audio2.asp?KEY=SEN&SESSION=2006
Please read the following and help if you can...contact me if you have any questions.
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In brief, the Monk Parakeet (or Wild Quaker Parrot) has been living
wild and free in NJ for over 30 years (originally released intentionally or
by accident). They have never harmed native species nor posed a threat to
agriculture as the state thought they would when they put them on the
potentially dangerous species list. By being on this list, they are
afforded no protection under the law. This bill would remove them from
the list and provide the birds, their nests and their eggs with the same
protection as indigenous birds in NJ. To learn more about these
fascinating birds and the Monk Parakeet in New Jersey in particular, please visit:
http://www.animalcomp.com/Birds.html
YOUR ACTION IS NEEDED
Please contact your two Assembly members and ask that they vote YES on
A1237. To find your Assembly members, please visit:
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/municipalities.asp and click on your town.
Alison Evans-Fragale RN, MSN, CFNP, CLNC
Founder
EdgewaterParrots.com
646-345-3424
http://www.freeparrots.net/article.php?story=20060521233149587