though now after reading all of genny's comments about what to say and not say to the commission, i don't know if i am knowledgeable enough on this subject to write a letter they would pay any mind to. does anyone know about jendays' agricultural standing? i don't know where to find backup/proof of anything.

I merged the two threads on this subject.

This is a cross post: Meaning that if you live in the state of PA, if you have documentation that you have your Nanday Conure prior to any legislation, and that can be the receipt from a breeder, a dated letter or invoice from your vet, etc. that your bird is safe. There is no grandfather clause in the legislation because there already exist general grandfathering laws in the state (whew!)

well that is good to know at least. that was really bothering me and it didn't sound right to me at all. i hope they will uphold that.

Thank you so much for the update!

Here is a problem that worries me,Ok they pass this law,and then grandfather already owned nendays,Now what happens when these birds end up in rescue's,and we all know many birds end up in rescue with no paperwork etc.. so now what happens to these birds ?
Instead of focussing on banning birds why don't they put their energy into regulating breeders.

Cross posting requested.

I have just received a call from Kristy Garcia of The Coalition of Pennsylvania Aviculturists (TOCPA), and Kelly Williams of the American Federation of Aviculture (AFA), who, together with Rick Rowland of TOCPA, attended all sessions of the Pennsylvania Game Commission to advocate for the rights of bird owners to own and keep their Nanday Conures and other exotic birds in Pennsylvania.

Kristy and Kelly asked me to relay the good news that Nanday Conures have been removed from the proposal to amend 58 PA Code Section 137.1.

This means that Nanday Conures WILL NOT BE BANNED IN PENNSYLVANIA.

Kristy, Rick, and Kelly will have more information later today or tomorrow when they issue their full report to us. Right now they are on their way home, and will be taking a well-deserved rest from their three days of advocating for you and your birds.

Kelly wanted us to know that the Commissioners thanked them and all who appeared at the hearing, for their politeness, organization, professionalism, and thoroughness in addressing the Commission. They said that it is obvious that we all love our birds and they were impressed that so many people took the time to come before the Commission and advocate for them.

I want to personally say THANK YOU to Kristy, Kelly, and Rick, and everyone who called, faxed, wrote, emailed, and attended the hearing. Each person who got involved played an important part in this victory for bird owners and our birds. Without your help the Nanday Conure would have been banned in Pennsylvania. With your help we were able to show the Commission that a ban of this bird was not necessary either to protect human health or wildlife habitat.

I hope that each of you who responded this time will view this victory as a learning experience, and that you will continue to respond when we ask for help fighting other restrictive animal proposals that come up in other areas.

Thank you again.

Genny Wall
AFA Legislative VP
gennygem2@aol.com
American Federation of Aviculture

Great news flash!!!

Excellent news, and proof that sometimes good organization and thoughtful, rational presentation can win the day!