From: "Bill Cole" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
|
| ** a gangi posted the original note, providing info about risks to
| animals (health, stress, even their lives); and about risks to humans
| (legal consequences).
a gangi has quoted the federal laws that make shipping gerbils a criminal
offense. But that's pretty dry stuff. Let's imagine a scenario that
sounds reasonable and realistic.
Let's say I have shipped a gerbil, and I did everything right for its
safety (though experienced people tell me that there always is some risk).
I packed the gerbil in a gnaw-proof container, built to provide
ventilation no matter how the package is handled or stacked. I carefully
checked the route that gerbil is likely to take, including truck
shipments. I checked the weather everywhere also, including popular
trans-shipment places like Knoxville where by one choice of carrier that
gerbil will travel overnight even if he is destined for a place 150 mis.
from me near Seattle. I provided lots and lots of bedding, hoping to
cushion the banging around; and I provided ample water sources and food,
just in case he is delayed for 3-4 days.
But the gerbil doesn't arrive. Instead, I get a notice that he has been
confiscated and that I should appear in court because I've broken a law.
First, I wonder who is taking care of the gerbil and what will happen to
him. Then I worry about myself. Then I REALLY worry about myself because
prolly I'm only one offender in a government crackdown on illegal
shipping, so they won't be inclined to tap my wrist lightly.
This could get nasty so I hire a criminal lawyer, and the expenses start
there. I agree with him that the prosecutor has me guilty, hands down.
So the best thing is to negotiate a plea bargain as a first offender. So
we do that and the prosecutor is willing to settle for a fine of a few
hundred dollars.
But now it REALLY gets sticky, because judges don't have to accept the
terms of a plea bargain. So I'd better be in court with lawyer, and be
prepared to say I'm very sorry and promise never to ship again.
Remember that this all started because the government is cracking down.
So the judge has already seen a number of these cases and he might decide
to make a BIG example of me. Furthermore, that particular judge might be
an animal lover who looks on me as not only a scofflaw, but also as a
callous person about animals.
So at very best, I've spent a lot of time and a lot of money for lawyer
and fine. And still I depend on the agreeability of a judge, who can be
unpredictable.
I've never shipped because I think it's an unnecessary risk for the
animal, so this scenario never will happen to me. It might never happen
to any GML shipper -- but a gangi's point is that it COULD happen to
you.
So place your bets, ladies and gentlemen.
