How long ago did you get the animals? Obviously the python and gator were bought recently, but what about the turtles? Animals that were legal ten years ago may no longer be so.



You have to understand the other side of the story. You were traveling in New Jersey with several large reptiles, some of which were native to both your home state of Pennsylvania and NJ. At least two of these animals (the snapper and Burmese python) could very easily be construed as dangerous. Additionally, if a policeman saw someone with a baby alligator from out of state, driving towards a location where reptiles are sold, of course he would be concerned. And if he was going to confiscate the gator, snapper, and python, of course he would take the other animals as well, even if he had no familiarity with reptile-related laws in either state. Try and think about it like an outsider would. In my home state, an illegal reticulated python was found in a woman's washing machine -- officials are very careful about this sort of thing as they deal with way too much crap to put up with minor "offenses" such as hobbyists driving along with animals that can and will seriously injure someone. The policeman's actions were understandable, however unjust. That being said, I hope you get your animals back or at least win the case. Best of luck to you and to all of the hobbyists who deal with legal trouble these days.

[ Show Entire Thread ]