Posted by:
oldherper
at Mon Jun 30 16:22:13 2003 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by oldherper ]
I read the Ohio regulations regarding the keeping and sale of reptiles both native and non-native. It seems pretty straightforward to me. It also seems much more reasonable and less restrictive than the state I live in (Georgia).
Was anyone arrested or cited that was NOT in violation of one of the state laws?
Several people were NOT arrested or cited, what was different about what they were doing?
If you are going to be in the business of selling reptiles, wouldn't it pay to make SURE you understand and abide by the laws of the state(s) you are doing business in, as well as any Federal laws, such as the Lacey Act?
Why the surprise that they raided this show? According to the articles this was the culmination of a 2 year undercover investigation. In an investigation like that, when they would have reliable information that there would be many infractions of the laws at the event, what would you expect them to do? Send Hallmark Cards asking the people to stop violating the laws? Of course they are going to raid the place. There, they have the vendors,obviously and irrefuteably offering illegal animals for sale. When you have a protected animal in a deli cup with a price marked on top sitting on top of your vendor table, it's hard to argue that it wasn't actually for sale. According to Ohio State Law, all they have to do is show that it is captive born offspring from either legally collected Ohio native animals or legally collected animals from another state. You are allowed to keep 4 wild caught animals of each species for breeders and an UNLIMITED number of captive born offspring. The wild-caught animals can't be sold, but the captive born can. What's so tough about that? Keep good records and you have your defense.
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I'm not sure I understand all this... - oldherper, Mon Jun 30 16:22:13 2003