Call for input on industry practices around the "pet release" pathway

I got this as an email and figured I'd post it here.

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In relation to the subject below the following website and publications
might be of interest to list subscribers

http://www.feral.org...policy/risk.cfm

cheers

Jeanine




Although pets bring companionship and joy into many people’s lives, those
which are abandoned or escape into the natural environment can become
invasive species. For example, abandoned Burmese pythons have become
established in Everglades National Park, Florida (USA) where they consume
large quantities of native wildlife. In parts of Europe, formerly pet
eastern grey squirrels (native to the USA) have displaced the native red
squirrel.

Because the “pet release” pathway poses risks to biodiversity in all
regions of the world, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will
make it a topic of focus at two upcoming meetings: by its scientific body
(SBSTTA) in February and governing body (COP) in May. Preparatory
documents for the February meeting include a request to the Global
Invasive Species Programme (GISP) and other relevant organizations for:

“best practices for addressing the risks associated with the introduction
of alien species as pets, including aquarium species, such as fish,
reptiles or insects, and as live bat and live food.”(UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/13/6
draft recommendation)

Historically, the private sector has not taken a particularly active role
in the CBD process. However, the discussions associated with this forum
provide an opportunity for business leaders to expand partnerships with
governments and other bodies, provide information on lessons learned and
best practices, and foster industry-informed decision making. The Pet
Industry Advisory Council (PIJAC) and the Global Invasive Species
Programme (GISP) are therefore calling for the private sector to provide
case studies on activities to minimize the risks of the “pet release”
pathway to the environment or human health. These case studies will be
compiled and presented to governments at the upcoming session of the
CBD’s scientific body as a resource for deliberations and in future
efforts to compile best practices. Such information could also provide
guidance for direct application at the national level.

Case studies might, for example, include examples of outreach and
education to consumers and retailers, best practices for choosing which
pets to buy or sell, standards for inspecting pets for disease and
parasites, and/or guidelines for compliance with government regulations.
Please include the following information if possible:
1) Business type: company, industry association or type of business;
location and size;
2) Business purpose: area of focus (import, propagation,
distribution, retail (store or internet), species of focus, etc.);
3) Business practice: the program or activity used to minimize risks
of pet abandonment or release (include information on the target
audience, methods for delivery, partnerships, etc.);
4) Incentive/rationale: the reason for initiating this work (e.g.,
government regulation, risk management, ethical responsibility);
5) Measures of success: indicators to identify the impact of the
program or activity; and
6) Contact: points of contact for further information, web
addresses, etc.

Given that this process will develop recommendations on how to progress
in this area, additional thoughts on types of guidance or tools that
would be useful for industry are most welcome.

Case studies and inputs are requested by 31 January, although we will
continue to compile examples after that date.

Please send your responses via email to: Drs. Stas Burgiel
(s.burgiel@gisp.org) and/or Jamie K. Reaser
(pijacscience@nelsoncable.com).

Please circulate this request to colleagues or other relevant outlets,
and feel free to contact us if there are further questions.

Best regards,

Jamie K. Reaser, Ph.D., Senior Science and Policy Advisor – Pet Industry
Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC)
Stas Burgiel, Ph.D., Technical Liaison – Global Invasive Species
Programme (GISP)

Why does everybody hate invasives? Why?

We could make up a PC name for them to fit in with the times, maybe undocumented swimmers, crawlers, fliers, etc. Something like that.

We could make up a PC name for them to fit in with the times, maybe undocumented swimmers, crawlers, fliers, etc. Something like that.

Amnesty now for invasive species!

Amnesty now for invasive species!

It's not amnesty; it's a guest species program.

It's not amnesty; it's a guest species program.

How about Amnesty Finternational!

It's not amnesty; it's a guest species program.

Will they be able to get swimmers licenses, and free medical care in our veterinary emergency rooms (while native species who can pay their veterinary bills are sent to the back of the line or to veterinary clinics)?

Will they be able to get swimmers licenses, and free medical care in our veterinary emergency rooms (while native species who can pay their veterinary bills are sent to the back of the line or to veterinary clinics)?

I think the house just took a vote on that