Yeah, but everyone knows that reptile keepers are not gun toting hells angels





Seriously. A good start I think would be a compilation of federal, state and local laws. I know very little when it comes to computers and websites, but if someone could set up a site that would allow individuals to contibute any laws, statutes, or regulations regarding reptiles it would give people a place to start. Levell's book was a great idea, but unfortunately (being in that format) some of it may have been out of date before it got done at the printers. Also, it may not really help the average herper because many local governments have stricter laws than the state. Still, it is a great book and I reference it often.



I have a list of Wisconsin state health departments and If I ever get any time (yeah right) I would like to contact each one and get their laws at the very local levels.



I'll give you an example. Keep in mind that this info was related to me by a third party who has had issues with the city in the past so I take it with a grain of salt . In the city of Kenosha, more than one health inspector has said it is illegal to keep ANY herps, even though the local ordinance they site does not mention reptiles. They say it is illegal to sell them in pet stores even though several pet stores do. There is supposed ot be an ordince prohibiting constrictors over a certain length but he nor I can find any refernce to that in the ordinances provided. This person claims that he has even spoken with the DA and a judge and they say that they can see nothing that would support the health inspectors claims. So whats the law? Who do you beleive?



If every one of us would just take a half hour to an hour of our time, go to our local government office. Find the person in charge (not always easy) and ask what the local laws are regarding keeping reptiles, and posted it to a website it might be the first step.



Steve Schindler

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