Australia-exotic lawsuit

**REXANO** · Site Admin Joined: 13 Dec 2007 Posts: 446

These kind of lawsuits could be filed in USA too for loss of future earnings with all the exotic animal bans or unreasonable extreme regulations, regardless of species. Kind of like the python map stuff and invasive wildlife bills would do to animal industry.
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http://fddp.theage.com.au/news/pets/couple-seek-2m-over-banned-cat/2008/08/04/1217701932059.html
Couple seek $2m over banned cat
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Banned breed ... savannah cat.
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August 4, 2008 - 10:04AM
A Gold Coast couple say they will seek up to $2 million compensation following the Federal Government's decision to ban savannah cats from the continent.
Glenn and Karen Parker, of Benowa, planned to import 14 savannah cats this year and say they have written approval from the Federal Government and Australian Customs.
Environment Minister Peter Garrett yesterday banned the breed from Australia, saying they posed an extreme risk to native animals and the environment.
Savannah cats are a cross between a domestic cat and a serval, a medium-size wild cat from Africa. They can grow to more than double times the size of a domestic cat and weigh up to 12 kilograms.
Mr Parker told the Gold Coast Bulletin the decision had ruined his business plans and would leave him out of pocket.
"We're basically pressing for full compensation," he said.
"We had full written approval from Canberra to import the savannahs. Now action is going to be taken against us when we have done everything right."
Mr Parker said the decision may have exposed him to legal action from the American breeders of the animals, which were already in quarantine awaiting entry to Australia.
The written approval to import the cats dates back to 2006 and the Parkers said they were commended for their efforts.
"We were praised by the Government for implementing contracts like ours," Mr Parker said.
"Our 'pet only' contract meant that no one could buy our cats unless they were de-sexed."
The couple said they had spent money on property suitable for the cats, as well as special fencing.
They had also accepted deposits on contracts for the cats, which would now have to be refunded.
A spokesman for Mr Garrett said the minister had used his powers under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 to amend the Act's live import list to change the definition of domestic cat to rule out cats with the genes of the African wildcat, the serval.
Mr Parker said the American breeders, A1 Savannah, today would lodge a complaint with the US Trade Commission alleging restraint of trade.
He said the American company had indicated it would sue his company, Savannah Cats Australia.
"He's not happy and I don't blame him," Mr Parker said.
Mr Parker said he would also pursue legal action in Australia where he would also allege restraint of trade.
"It's open and shut as far as the lawyers are concerned," Mr Parker said.
He said Mr Garrett's decision "opened a can of worms" with many similar hybrids, such as Bengal cats, already in Australia.
"Savannah cats are a soft target for Garrett," Mr Parker said.
"He failed on whales and plastic bags."
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