Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Now I live in Illinois, and a pet store keeper told me that one needs a permit to own a large snake. Now I have never heard of this, and I'm sure there are a lot of people that don't follow it if it's actually real. But I just wanted to know because I'm sure that I'll need it if I use a vet for a bc. I don't have one yet, but I hope to get one soon. Thanks

(720 ILCS 585/0.1)
Sec. 0.1. As used in this Act, unless the context otherwise
requires:
"Dangerous animal" means a lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar,
cheetah, margay, mountain lion, lynx, bobcat, jaguarundi, bear, hyena,
wolf or coyote, or any poisonous or life-threatening reptile.
"Owner" means any person who (a) has a right of property in a
dangerous animal, (b) keeps or harbors a dangerous animal, (c) has a
dangerous animal in his care, or (d) acts as custodian of a dangerous
animal.
"Person" means any individual, firm, association, partnership,
corporation, or other legal entity, any public or private institution,
the State of Illinois, or any municipal corporation or political
subdivision of the State.
(Source: P.A. 84-28.)

(720 ILCS 585/1)
Sec. 1. No person shall have a right of property in, keep, harbor,
care for, act as custodian of or maintain in his possession any
dangerous animal except at a properly maintained zoological park,
federally licensed exhibit, circus, scientific or educational
institution, research laboratory, veterinary hospital or animal refuge
in an escape-proof enclosure.
(Source: P.A. 84-28.)

(720 ILCS 585/2)
Sec. 2. It is no defense to a violation of Section 1 that the
person violating such Section has attempted to domesticate the dangerous
animal. If there appears to be imminent danger to the public, any
dangerous animal found not in compliance with the provisions of this Act
shall be subject to seizure and may immediately be placed in an approved
facility. Upon the conviction of a person for a violation of Section
1, the animal with regard to which the conviction was obtained shall be
confiscated and placed in an approved facility, with the owner thereof
to be responsible for all costs connected with the seizure and
confiscation of such animal. Approved facilities include, but are not
limited to, a zoological park, federally licensed exhibit, humane
society, veterinary hospital or animal refuge.
(Source: P.A. 84-28.)

(720 ILCS 585/3)
Sec. 3. Any person violating this Act shall be guilty of a Class C
misdemeanor. Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense.
In the event the person violating this Act is a corporation or
partnership, any officer, director, manager or managerial agent of the
partnership or corporation who violates this Section or causes the
partnership or corporation to violate this Section is guilty of a Class
C misdemeanor.
(Source: P.A. 84-28.)

(720 ILCS 585/4)
Sec. 4. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Illinois
Dangerous Animals Act".
(Source: P.A. 84-28.)

Link to the laws

http://www.legis.state.il.us/ilcs/ch720/ch720act585.htm

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1.1.0 Colombian Redtail Boas (normals)
2.1.0 Sumatran Blood Pythons (normals)
1.0 Black Blood Python (normal)
1.0 Dumeril's Boa (normal)
0.1 Coastal Carpet Python (normal)
0.1 Jungle Carpet Python (normal)
0.1 Surinam Redtail Boa (normal)

I've seen this law.. it is for constrictors over 6 ft in length, although i do think it also varies from county to county. From what I hear, it isn't strictly enforced, especially because you can buy boas at pet stores- otherwise they would have to prohibit that as well.
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0.1 Het Albino
1.0 DH-Sunglow

Thanks,
The woman at the pet store said most people don't follow the act in the first place. I'm just making sure because I'll probably have to show it if I take it to a vet.

The Illinois law has been overturned in the court system on more than one occasion. You do not need to have a permit on you nor do you need to provide one to your vet. The orinal law was passed back in the early 80's and has yet, to the best of my knowledge, be successfully held up in court.

Griz

oh wow, no one ever told me that! That would make things a lot easier!

Are NOT supposed to sell snakes over 6' in length.

I spoke with a DNR rep. within the last 6 months about acquiring a permit for my american alligator. I figured, since I have him on the phone, I may as well ask about the snakes, JUST INCASE. I dont want my collection getting taken from me, with all the money I've put into it.

He told me there is presently no laws prohibiting posession of large snakes. Rumors of 6', or 11', are not true.... yet. He said there's a lot of tossing around going on, but nothing is set in stone yet. The only laws that do exist are against venomous reptiles, can only be owned with proper permits.

Unless this has changed in the last 6 months, thats how DNR sees it.