I personally feel a permit system can be a great addition to the pet industry. At the moment, you can pretty much buy any animal you want. Allot of people have proven time and time again that they are too stupid to be given the opportunity to decide on what animals to own. Simply, because they don't look after them. The ornamental fish trade is especially guilty of this, treating fish like replaceable ornaments. ( Mostly by people not on this site, you are here because you are trying)
From a animal rights/activist point of view all animals should be on a permit system. It might not be practical, but basic husbandry training should be a prerequisite before getting a permit to own any living thing. To simplify things, a blanket permit system would be ideal... ie: Tropical fish permit, Reptile permit.... When husbandry is not up too standards the permits can be with drawn.
Legislation needs to be put in place to 1. Protect people from themselves. 2. To protect animals from people..... Specially in the reptile industry where any Tom, Dick and Harry can buy himself a Rattle snake or Cotten Mouth.
I don't think we should appose a permit system.... Rather consult constructively to develop a system that serves the hobby effectively.