For one I can not and will not ever advocate for someone that brown boxes. I don't like doing imports legally either but I do for the simple reason of not breaking the law and being prosecuted like this as the US is strict on imports. Also I do not control what they show of our business in TV programs either that is entirely up to production.I know a certain dealer...you, up top!...who has stock from Sven (knowingly or not) and might, for his 15mins of abominable reality tv's sake defend Sven instead of denouncing him. Sven is a top notch guy and "Operation Spiderman" was entrapment. Brace yourselves folks because a hellstorm is a coming down the pipes and all your petitioning will do nothing to sway the paupers in power - it's time for "assembly" and outright protest of a corrupt system that would use an un-Constitutional means to snare someone for the sake of taking swings at the hobby, and perhaps go after a real change in the laws in regards to the hobby instead of waiting for some politico to actually give 5 minutes to one of the letters. And, as far as Brachypelma smithi is involved, not one species, not one on Sven's list is on the CITES list.
He only deserves to be punished, if you agree with the law in this instance IMO. Yes, he should have done the proper paperwork, but sending someone to jail over paperwork and permits is ludicrous; to threaten up to 20 years is preposterous.He had to know he was breaking the law. Shipping T's across borders without permits is extremely foolish. Even if he was highly respected, this kind of smuggling hurts legit dealers as well as legit breeders and collectors. If indeed all the T's were captive bred, I hope they don't stick him with maximum penalties, but he certainly deserves to be punished.
I do however completely agree with this ^I wonder how many tens of thousands of tax dollars were spent to entrap a dealer selling captive bred non invasive pet trade tarantulas? Well, I suppose world hunger and sickness can thrive a little longer because we have more important problems.
http://www.cites.org/eng/app/appendices.shtmlAnd, as far as Brachypelma smithi is involved, not one species, not one on Sven's list is on the CITES list.
A lot of people misunderstand what CITES entails. There are different levels of CITES - At the highest level trade is completely prohibited. At the lowest level you are only required to report import/export of listed species. The Brachypelmas are in the mid range and require permits from the country of export.http://www.cites.org/eng/app/appendices.shtml
All Brachypelma are covered under CITES
It is referred to as appendix 2, but the original quote stated he didn't have anything on a CITES list. As you stated shipping Appendix 2 species between countries requires a permit. Additionally both Germany and United States are member countries of CITES.A lot of people misunderstand what CITES entails. There are different levels of CITES - At the highest level trade is completely prohibited. At the lowest level you are only required to report import/export of listed species. The Brachypelmas are in the mid range and require permits from the country of export.