Re: [RML] Re: Hybrid ethics- (KEEP)

andrew.boyd at dfat.gov.au
Thu, 5 Feb 1998 9:30:24 +1000


Howdy Bruce, I agree...

The pet trade has shown that people are willing to spend hundreds and
sometimes thousands of dollars for a rare critter. Fines commensurate
with the likely profit of smuggling aren't here yet - they are getting
stiffer, yes.

To digress: amongst rainbowfolk the attraction in smuggling is not so
much, AFAICS, in monetary gain but in the sheer want of having such
beasties at home. I know of some small fortunes made from "F2"
descendants of smuggled eggs, but these were piddling compared to the
straight profits made by bird/reptile smuggling "businessmen", IMHO.

Regards, Andrew

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: [RML] Re: Hybrid ethics- (KEEP)
Author: MIME:bhansen at ozemail.com.au at INTERNET-MAIL
Date: 2/4/98 11:12 PM

(snip)

Exactly the argument I wanted to hear.How stiff is stiff? The more illegal
they are the higher the desirability and the higher the price and the more
likely to be smuggled in for profit and the greater the risk of disease.
Whether it is fish, birds, reptiles or whatever. The idea is to make a
reasonable assessment of the real risk to the environment Vs the possible
gains or savings and make a transparent decision with the cards on the table



Regards,
Bruce.

Bruce Hansen, ANGFA, caring for our aquatic ecosystems.

Please visit us at http://www.ozemail.com.au/~fisher/angfa.htm