We just finished a major update to the site, including a complete redesign of the forum. The site has been up for almost a year but we really haven't advertised it much until now. Every part of the site has pretty much been built from scratch, and we have just reached a point where we are happy with it. The work on our part is far from over and we still have a lot planned for the site.

They look great, I especially like the Creamsicle.

Growing up, i caught and kept my fair share of native snakes. I certainly don't think it causes any harm. Just making the point that currently the laws in Georgia say their off limits. Hopefully, those laws will change in the future.

Being from Georgia corns are off limits for us. If the state ever changes the law, there are a few i wouldn't mind getting my hands on.

Went out this morning for a quick walk. We didn't see much but did come across a couple Yellow-bellied sliders sunning themselves on a log.

With the extremely hot weather Georgia and the rest of the country has seen this summer; I’ve personally done a lot less herping than I would of otherwise. The few times we have gone out over the past few months, the herping has been pretty good, its just hard to enjoy it when your soaked in sweat after the first 5 minuets. Weather finally seems to be cooling down a bit, so hopefully we can have a couple more outings before the weather reaches the other extreme.

geoHerper is a project that has been our heads for a long time. Being a long time lurker on many reptile forums I’ve seen countless threads started from people showing off the herps they found or asking others for help with identification. This common theme lead to the idea of geoHerper.

What is geoHerper?

geoHerper is a tool that has two primary purposes, keeping track of the communities herp finds and harnessing the collective knowledge of reptile enthusiasts to help others identify Reptiles and Amphibians that are unknown to them. In addition, we have also developed a system in which herpers can share their favorite herping locations.

Why?

Having this kind of detailed information all in one place allows us to display and organize it in many interesting ways.

The Future of geoHerper

geoHerper is still very young and far from complete. We have lots of ideas that on the drawing board and look forward to making them a real part of geoHerper. More important than our ideas are the ideas of the community. If you have a suggestion let us know, either here on the forum or through email.

a couple more.

Last week we went camping at West Point Lake on the Georgia Alabama line. The campground we stay at has some great trails one of which is a boardwalk that snakes its way through a swamp complete with beaver dams. We had pretty good luck seeing all sorts of wildlife about every time we walked the trail, including several eastern cottonmouths.

From USARK

RED ALERT: Fast & Easy Comment on Rule Change
Deadline Tuesday May 11, 2010 for Public Comment on the US Fish & Wildlife Service proposed rule adding nine constrictor snakes to the Injurious Wildlife list of the Lacey Act. It is imperative that as many people as possible make comment prior to the deadline. Failure to do so could result in wholesale destruction of the Reptile Nation!

It is highly suggested that your comments be original and written by you. There are guidelines at www.Kill-RuleChange.com. However, there seems to be confusion about ‘How To’ and ‘Where To’ make comment. The following is ‘step by step’ on how to make a fast and easy comment:
1. Go to the government portal: http://www.regulations.gov/search/Re...00006480abc25c
2. Fill in the fields for Name, Country, City and Postal Code. Ignore the rest of the fields.
3. Copy the Sample Letter below. Modify it with your own comments (HIGHLY SUGGESTED). Paste it into the Comment Field. 
4. If you are a business copy Sample Letter onto company letterhead and save as a Word Doc or PDF file. Click the Browse button on the Attach File field and download your file. (if you are NOT a business skip step 4)
5. Click Submit button. Your Done!

SAMPLE LETTER: Cut & Paste Into Government Portal
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Policy and Directives Management
Attn: Docket No. FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222
Arlington, VA 22203
RE: Docket No. FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015

Dear U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
As a supporter of the United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) and someone who is concerned about the environment, I am writing today to OPPOSE the proposed rule to list nine species of large constrictor snakes as injurious (75 Fed. Reg. 11808-11829 (March 12, 2010)).

CONTROVERSIAL
As you know, in 2009 the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) released a highly controversial report on nine snake species. This internal report was NOT peer reviewed science. It is riddled with mistakes, inaccuracies, misrepresentations and unsupportable assumptions. The USARK has filed a 36 page Request for Correction with the USGS under the Information Quality Act. In a letter to the Senate Environmental & Public Works Committee a panel of 11 acclaimed scientists called the report “not scientific” and “not suitable as the basis for legislative or regulatory policy”. This poorly done report is the only “science” that supports the proposed rule.

UNPRECEDENTED
If enacted, this rule making would have the unprecedented effect of putting as many as a million American citizens in possession of Injurious Wildlife and subject to potential felony prosecution under the Lacey Act. It could effectively create a new class of criminal out of law abiding American citizens. Never has the USFWS attempted to list such a large group of animals that are widely held by the American public.

SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC IMPACT
USFWS does not possess the information needed to do a credible Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) on proposed rules regarding constrictor snakes. In its report, dated February 10, 2010, USFWS relied on baseless assumptions and extrapolations and it ignored information submitted by industry participants and trade associations in response to its 2008 Notice of Inquiry. In addition, the Service misused the information it was provided by respondents to the notice. Therefore, the Service’s regulatory flexibility analysis is not a complete, reliable, or convincing analysis of the impact of the proposed rule on small businesses involved in the buying and selling of the nine snake species included in the proposed rule. The IFRA grossly underestimates the scope of the impact of the proposed regulations.

ALTERNATIVES
USFWS has failed to explore suitable alternatives to Lacey Act listing. There is a plethora of ideas on how to address the issue of invasive species that are for more pragmatic and less damaging than the Lacey Act. It was the consensus opinion at the recent US House Committee on Natural Resources Hearing on Invasive Species that Lacey Act was an ineffectual tool for addressing this issue. State/Local Risk Assessment combined with industry Best Management Practices (BMP) was suggested by Dr. Frank Mazzotti of the University of Florida. (His is a unique perspective because he is the one responsible for the radio tracking of pythons in the Everglades National Park.) USARK has developed an Accreditation utilizing BMP’s that have passed into state law in North Carolina and are currently pending in SC. They are also being considered by GA, LA, CA and VA. USFWS has an obligation to explore viable alternatives. To date they have not.

It is clear that the USFWS has not thoroughly considered the full implications this proposed rule making would have. Further it is clear that USFWS has not given the due diligence required to enact such a controversial, unprecedented and draconian measure. It is clear that if enacted the proposed rule would negatively impact as many as a million Americans. The limited effectiveness of the Lacey Act as a means to control invasive species means that if enacted the stated intent of the rulemaking would never be realized. Nothing would change on the ground in south Florida. The only effect would be to destroy the captive propagation and trade of animal's already in captivity all across the country.

Please stop the proposed rule to restrict the trade in nine species of constrictors.

Thank you for your consideration.

Government officials and employees are stacking the deck in their efforts to push an extreme animal rights agenda. Dr. Gordon Rodda is a scientist that works for the United States Geological Service. The USGS is the Federal agency that has recently become the source of science by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Rodda along with the federal leadership are crafting not science, but carefully tailored papers masquerading as 'reports' in order to bring about the agenda of the Humane Society of the United States. The HSUS is bent on taking all animals out of the hands of mankind and is pushing a number of bills now working their way through the US House and the Senate that require this custom work that Rodda is adept at. The doctoring of facts is now systemic and eating away at a system that is supposed to safeguard the rights of US citizens while maintaining stewardship of the United States natural world.

Read More

House Committee Considers Lacey Act to Shut Down Reptile Trade; Thousands of Jobs Could be Lost

Washington DC, 23 March 2010- Today the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands and the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife will hold a joint oversight hearing on "How To Manage Large Constrictor Snakes And Other Invasive Species." The Subcommittees will receive testimony on efforts to monitor and control Burmese Pythons and other invasive species in Everglades National Park. 

At the center of this debate is the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) proposed rule change adding 9 snakes (including Boa constrictor) to the injurious wildlife list of the Lacey Act. The big question is whether federal regulation via the Lacey Act is the way to address a problem that is localized in the southern tip of Florida. Justification for the rule change is a highly controversial US Geological Survey report criticized as, “not suitable as the basis for legislative or regulatory policies” by a panel of independent scientists in a letter to the House Judiciary Committee.

Legal experts have questioned whether the complicated Lacey Act designed to stop poaching at the turn of the century is now being abused by USFWS. Never before has a Lacey Act listing been proposed for animals that are so widely held by the public. The United States Association of Reptile Keepers estimates that there are now approximately 2 million animals in captivity in the US that would be subject to the USFWS proposed rule change. If enacted tens of thousands of Americans would be in possession of injurious wildlife and could be subject to felony prosecution under the Lacey Act.

The effect on thousands of small businesses would be swift and devastating. There would be many bankruptcies and tens of thousands of people would be negatively impacted. Thousands of jobs would be lost.  

This past weekend Georgia saw the best weather so far this year with highs in the low 70's. This gave us the chance to get outside ride four-wheelers, play horseshoes, cook and just in general have a nice time outside.

Woke up this morning and it snowing.  

Burmese Python Distinct Species
CNAH ANNOUNCEMENT
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
17 February 2010

BURMESE PYTHON RECOGNIZED AS DISTINCT SPECIES

Zur taxonomie des dunklen tigerpythons, Python molurus bivittatus Kuhl, 1820, speziell der population von Sulawesi

Hans J. Jacobs, Mark Auliya & Wolfgang Böhme

2009. Sauria 31(3): 5-16

Abstract: The taxonomic status of the Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus) is reassessed and elevated to specific rank again. The population from Sulawesi, Indonesia, is a dwarf form of this giant snake that is redefined as Python bivittatus progschai ssp. N.

Summary (part):
On the taxonomy of the Burmese Python, Python molurus bivittatus Kuhl, 1820,
specifically on the Sulawesi Population

The Indian python, Python m. Molurus (Linnaeus, 1758) and the Burmese Python, P. M. Bivittatus Kuhl, 1820 are constantly distinguished by two morphological characters, viz. "supralabials touching eye" versus "complete circumocular ring" and "lanceolate dorsal head pattern indistinct in front of eyes" versus "lanceolate dorsal pattern distinct to tip of snout." Despite their subspecific status (which requires allopatry or parapatry at least), the latter co-occur as several relict populations within the distribution range of the former (viz., at some sites in North India along the Nepalese border, and in East India in the Bengal region: Barker & Barker 2008), and, despite their close relationship and their ability to crossbreed in captivity (O’Shea 2007), both maintain their phenotypic identities without interbreeding in nature. This argues strongly for selective pressures against hybridization, which is what we regard as typical for incipient speciation. We therefore once more raise the Burmese Python to specific rank.

UPDATE: Oppose GA S303

On Wednesday February 3rd GA Senate Bill 303 was heard before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources & the Environment. This was the second hearing in a week regarding S303. Prior to the hearing USARK President, Andrew Wyatt, contacted Senator Douglas (the bill’s sponsor), Committee Chair Senator Tolleson and Vice Chair Senator Bulloch, and presented USARK’s Model State Legislation as a potential Committee Substitute. At the hearing USARK was represented by B.W. Smith of Atlanta who distributed copies of USARK’s proposal  to the rest of the Committee Members. He then eloquently outlined the proposal and answered questions. S303 in its current form is cost prohibitive and does not address issues of secure containment and escape prevention. Further it makes no provision for the animals that could be rendered worthless and homeless overnight.

The benefits of the USARK proposal are:

* Secure Containment Required

* Safety & Escape Prevention Protocols

* No Permits, Fees or Central Administration

* Clear Remedy for Violations

* No Cost to State

The Committee decided to postpone a vote on S303 while members review the USARK proposal as a potential Committee Substitute. USARK would like to thank Senators Douglas, Toleson and Bulloch, as well as all the Members of the Committee, for their consideration. USARK looks forward to working with Committee Staff and Members to craft a bill that will provide best industry management standards for addressing the issues of secure containment and escape prevention without being prohibitive and forcing undue pressure on small business. If passed as written S303 could mean the loss of hundreds of jobs.

We need many more emails sent to provide grass roots support of our message in the GA Senate. Let's show the GA Senate the Reptile Nation is serious. OPPOSE S303-  Send an Email to the Senate Natural Resources Committee today to OPPOSE S303. Click here: http://usark.org/campaign.php?id=10

***Stay tuned for date and time of next Committee Hearing. Please attend if possible. There is Strength in Numbers... Protect Your Rights!***

This is a link to the USARK press release in the Atlanta Business Chronicle: http://atlanta.bizjournals.com/atlanta/prnewswire/press_releases/national/Georgia/2010/02/02/DC47994.

Quoted from USARK.org

Yesterday S303 was heard before the Georgia Senate Natural Resources Committee. The bill introduced by Senator Douglas (District 17) would require a cost prohibitive permit system and micro chipping provision that could put reptile farmers out of business and take away the ability of people to own animals that are currently legal to own in Georgia. Penalties for violations of the statute could bring fines of up to $1000 and a year in jail.

An attorney testified on behalf of USARK and our members in Georgia. Also testifying was Snakes are Us Reptile Rescue, GA Dept of Natural Resources and Georgia Wildlife Federation. USARK asked that economic factors and small business considerations be more closely examined, and that a more suitable Committee Substitute be forwarded. Committee Vice Chairman Senator Bulloch questioned the necessity or effectiveness of such a bill. The request by USARK and the Reptile Rescue to fore go a "Favorable" rating was honored. A second hearing is scheduled for tomorrow at 2pm at the State Capitol in Atlanta. It is the opinion of USARK that this new hearing has been scheduled too soon and S303 needs careful and well thought out consideration prior to moving forward. USARK suggests using their model legislation as a template to move forward. It was recently passed in North Carolina and addresses security, containment and escape prevention. There are no permits or fees and the legislation does not necessitate administration by the State Dept of Natural Resources. It will cost the state nothing because it is written into criminal statute. 

It is important that you attend the meeting if at all possible! There is Strength in Numbers... Protect Your Rights!! Hearing will be at the Capitol Office Building at 2PM February 3, 2010.

Click here to read S303: 
http://usark.org/uploads/GAsb303.pdf

Send an Email to the Senate Natural Resources Committee today to OPPOSE S303. Click here: 
http://usark.org/campaign.php?id=10

Following is the Press Release from USARK that hit the wires at 6AM this morning:

Georgia Legislature rushes to regulate Reptiles; Hasty move could cost jobs.

February 2, 2010, Atlanta, GA- Senate Bill 303, a bill that seeks to regulate the ownership and trade of certain reptiles is being rushed through committee. The bill introduced by Senator Douglas (District 17) would require a cost prohibitive permit system and micro chipping provision that could put reptile farmers out of business and take away the ability of people to own animals that are currently legal to own in Georgia. Penalties for violations of the statute could bring fines of up to $1000 and a year in jail.

Herpetoculture is a non traditional agricultural pursuit that represents a $3 Billion trade in the United States. Similar legislation at the federal level, although pushed aggressively by the Animal Rights Industry, has stalled do to severe impacts to small business and poor quality of underlying science being used as justification to shut down trade. The US Chamber of Commerce opposes the federal proposal citing, “this legislation would adversely impact tens of thousands of businesses”. A group of top scientists from University of Florida, Georgia Southwestern State and The National Geographic Society commented in regards to “evidence” being used to condemn the industry,“It is a misrepresentation to call the document ‘scientific’”; and further stated, “As written, this document is not suitable as the basis for legislative or regulatory policies.”

The United States Association of Reptile Keepers, a reptile industry advocate, suggests a more balanced approach such as the law just recently passed in NC requiring caging standards and escape prevention protocols. Andrew Wyatt, President of USARK, insists that what is being proposed in GA will not add any level of secure containment. Wyatt says “the bill we wrote and helped pass in NC addresses specific concerns with secure containment, safety and escape prevention that are not addressed in S303. Additionally it costs nothing and does not require state Dept of Natural Resources to administer. It is written into criminal statute”. The USARK proposal actually provides a framework of best industry management standards that protects the public and the environment while allowing responsible ownership and trade to continue.

Georgia bill S303 will go to hearing for the second time before the Senate Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday, February 3rd at 2pm in the State Capitol.

Contact Info:
Andrew Wyatt
United States Association of Reptile Keepers
president@usark.org

From usark.org

US Fish & Wildlife Service announced today that they want to initiate the process of 'Rule Change' to add the Burmese Python and 8 other large constrictors (as per USGS report) to the Injurious Wildlife list of the Lacey Act. They announced that they would publish this proposal in the Federal Register in early February. There will then be 60 days for the public to make comment. 

This is an opportunity for the scientific process to play out. We have asked for science to trump political expediency. We have a team of scientists working on the science side and we have compiled much economic data in our work with the Congressional Budget Office. USARK will conduct a number of surveys around the country and on the Internet to collect vital information to provide to USFWS. We will have surveys at the door at the Tinley Park USARK/ PIJAC Summit meeting on February 13 & 14. It is incredibly important that everyone participate in the surveys in order that we can present the best information possible. We will also have petitions to be signed! Please come to the Summit. This will be the most important meeting in the history of the reptile industry. Every real player in this industry, as well as hobbyists, and the general public, need to attend the USARK/ PIJAC Summit. If you are a USARK Gold or Silver member please try to be there!

Date: January 20, 2009

Contact: Vanessa Kauffman (FWS) (703) 358-2138

Kendra Barkoff (DOI) (202) 713-0827

Salazar Moves to Ban Importation and Interstate Transfer of Burmese Python and Eight Other Giant Invasive Snakes 

FWS to Propose Injurious Species Listing under Lacey Act

NEW YORK, NY – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will propose to list the Burmese python and eight other large constrictor snakes that threaten the Everglades and other sensitive ecosystems as “injurious wildlife” under the Lacey Act.

Salazar made the announcement at the Port of New York, which serves as the largest point of entry in the nation for imports of wildlife and wildlife products.  Last year, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Inspectors at John F. Kennedy International Airport handled more than 27, 000 separate wildlife shipments valued at more than $1 billion,  or 16 percent of all U.S. wildlife imports. 

The proposal, which will be open to public comment before Salazar makes a final decision, would prohibit importation and interstate transportation of the animals. 

“The Burmese python and these other alien snakes are destroying some of our nation’s most treasured – and most fragile – ecosystems,” Salazar said. “The Interior Department and states such as Florida are taking swift and common sense action to control and eliminate the populations of these snakes, but it is an uphill battle in ecosystems where they have no natural predators.  If we are going to succeed, we must shut down the importation of the snakes and end the interstate commerce and transportation of them.”

In total, wildlife inspectors stationed at ports across the nation processed more than 169,700 shipments of wildlife and wildlife products last year with an estimated value of $2.7 billion.

“Our wildlife inspectors are the front line of defense for the nation, combating illegal wildlife trafficking and preventing the importation of countless species of illegal injurious wildlife. This proposal will give them an additional tool to restrict imports that are causing significant ecological and economic damage, while giving our law enforcement agents the ability to restrict the spread of these species within our borders,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Sam Hamilton.

The nine species proposed for listing are: the Burmese python, northern African python, southern African python, reticulated python, green anaconda, yellow anaconda, Beni or Bolivian anaconda, DeSchauensee’s anaconda, and boa constrictor.

Many of these large snakes are popular as pets, and are associated with a large domestic and international trade. Over the past 30 years, about a million individuals of these nine species have been imported into the United States, and current domestic production of some species likely exceeds import levels.

Under the Lacey Act, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to regulate the importation and interstate transport of species determined to be injurious to humans, the interests of agriculture, horticulture or forestry, and the welfare and survival of wildlife resources of the United States.

Sen. Bill Nelson, D-FL and Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-FL, have introduced legislation in Congress, supported by Secretary Salazar and the Obama Administration, which would also restrict importation and interstate sale and transportation of the nine species of constrictor snakes. Today’s proposal ensures that the injurious proposal will be considered through all available legislative and administrative avenues.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will publish the proposed rule in the Federal Register in early February. At that time, the Service will also make a draft economic analysis and draft environmental analysis available to the public. The public will then have 60 days to comment on the proposal. 

The Burmese python is currently distributed across many thousands of square miles in south Florida and a population of boa constrictors is established south of Miami. In addition, recent evidence strongly suggests a reproducing population of northern African pythons on the western boundaries of Miami. 

The U.S. Geological Survey issued a risk assessment last October that highlighted the threat.

Of the nine large constrictors assessed, five were shown to pose a high risk to the health of the ecosystem, including the Burmese python, northern African python, southern African python, yellow anaconda, and boa constrictor. The remaining four large constrictors—the reticulated python, green anaconda, Beni or Bolivian anaconda, and DeSchauensee’s anaconda—were shown to pose a medium risk.

Burmese pythons and other large constrictor snakes are highly adaptable to new environments

And are opportunistic in expanding their geographic range. More than 1,200 of the snakes have been removed from Everglades National Park since 2000, with others having been removed from the Florida Keys, along Florida’s west coast, and farther north along the Florida peninsula. Burmese pythons threaten many imperiled species and other wildlife. Two Burmese pythons were found near Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and the remains of three endangered Key Largo wood rats were found in their stomachs.

Salazar strongly encouraged pet owners not to release snakes or any other pets into the wild. 

“People may think that this is a convenient and humane way to be rid of unwanted animals, but as in the case of pythons and other constrictors, it can lead to devastating consequences for local wildlife populations and the ecosystems they depend on,” Salazar said.

Salazar said he has directed the Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct a comprehensive review of existing legal and regulatory authorities to address the invasive species issue on a broader scale. 

“I’ve asked the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to make recommendations regarding the potential tools we need to address the invasive species challenge – both to combat existing invasive species problems and act more effectively to prevent the introduction of new invasive threats into our country,” said Salazar.

I watched the show and thought it was a great episode. Its amazing the number of crickets and mealworms those guys produce.

I'm happy to report that since we removed the bandage a few days ago he has shed and gone to the bathroom without any problems. We'll continue to keep a close eye on him but as of right now problem solved.

Quoted from usark.org

Susan Wolf, spokeswoman for Sportsman's & Animal Owners Voting Alliance, is a friend and colleague of USARK. She and Andrew Wyatt have worked together on legislation and fighting the Animal Rights Industry in NC where she lives. Please support this worthy organization. The Following article is a reprint from the Capitol Press.

http://www.capitalpress.com/results/ws- ... ing-010810

Groups allege HSUS fraud 

HSUS leader defends group's lobbying efforts, tax-deductible status
By Wes Sander

Capital Press

An animal-owners organization is hoping to persuade the Internal Revenue Service to investigate whether political lobbying by the Humane Society of the United States is illegal.

HSUS's lobbying on national and state levels likely surpasses the boundaries set by its nonprofit status under the IRS code, said Susan Wolf, spokeswoman for the Sportsman's and Animal Owners' Voting Alliance.

"Many of us who oppose HSUS legislation have felt for a long time that HSUS flaunts the privilege of being a nonprofit by manipulating funds into affiliated umbrella organizations," Wolf said.

The alliance also claims a conflict of interest by Michael Markarian, who serves as HSUS's chief operating officer as well as president of an affiliated lobbying charity, the Humane Society Legislative Fund.

Markarian said funds are not shared between the two organizations. Furthermore, when HSUS staff members perform work for the fund, those hours are billed to the fund separately, he said.

Markarian said HSUS's spending on lobbying is roughly 4 percent of its budget, keeping the organization within its limits. In 2008, HSUS reported that it spent about $4.2 million on lobbying, out of a total budget of nearly $100 million.

According to HSUS's 2008 tax return, the organization's efforts included a $2.25 million grant to Californians for Humane Farms, a committee that campaigned in favor of Proposition 2. That ballot measure, which passed in 2008, imposes restrictions on the confinement of farm animals.

Under IRS rules, a nonprofit can either register its lobbying expenditures, or it can meet an "insubstantial activities" test. While the IRS does not specify the limits of the term, HSUS believes its lobbying qualifies as insubstantial, Markarian said.

"We believe 4.3 percent by any definition is a small percentage of anyone's work," Markarian said.
The legislative fund is not bound by the same rules. That entity, termed a "social welfare" organization under IRS code section 501(c)(4), can spend all its money on lobbying. Donations are not tax-deductible.

Several charity watchdog groups monitor HSUS. One of them, Charity Navigator, has awarded the organization four stars, its highest rating, for the past four years.

"We feel this is an anemic campaign, and they're barking up the wrong tree," Markarian said. "We very carefully document our lobbying expenditures, and they're publicly available on our Web site."

But the Animal Owners' Voting Alliance calls attention to HSUS's claims of having pushed through hundreds of animal-rights laws, arguing that the charity must be surpassing its limits to sustain such activity.

"It hardly seems possible that HSUS can pay 26 or 28 state directors to constantly lobby legislatures, file numerous ballot initiatives yearly, some 50 pieces of state legislation, federal bills, pay federal lobbyists, and file three dozen or so lawsuits against USDA and federal agencies -- and still remain under allotted lobbying regulations," Wolf said.

An IRS spokesman declined to comment on the case.