Date:         Mon, 3 Sep 2001 12:21:17 -0400
Reply-To:     Conchologists of America List <CONCH-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
Sender:       Conchologists of America List <CONCH-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From:         "C. E. Pinkerton" <miques.molluscs.shells@EROLS.COM>
Subject:      To whom it MIGHT concern
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

Greetings all you lucky travelers....the following notice came from the Aug. 30th  Washington Post----Kiddie section.
There is an endearing photo of a Beagle dressed in a green jacket--on one side is inscribed..."USDA Beagle Brigade"
and on the other "Protecting American Agriculture"  The Beagle is named Comet and works at Dulles International Airport in Northern , Va.  It would seem Comets aim in life is to sniff out undesireable commodities among which is listed "African Land Snails      
A detailed list of Comets abilities and accomplishments were given, as well as a list of unusual things having been sniffed.
I get the idea that while some of the items, if declared are not illegal, they can nevertheless cause a problem.....a problem up to $250.00
The list of some unusual items nabbed to date included....4 live canaries in a box at the bottom of a duffel bag, a live hamster in a box inside a suitcase, GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAILS, fig trees, bonsai trees, camel meat, antlers, animal hides and a sheep skull.
Strong suggestion you inquire before smuggling.
Mique Pinkerton

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