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I've been contacted by a pet store owner who was given an Argentine boa (Boa c. occidentalis), which is listed on CITES I. He of course didn't receive any paperwork with the animal and has just realized that he may be in a legal predicament and wants to get rid of the animal however he can without getting anyone in legal trouble.
What are the legal implications of him posessing the animal and how (and to whom) can he legally get rid of it?
-M
Well well well, Zetekitoxin.
>>What are the legal implications of him posessing the animal and how (and to whom) can he legally get rid of it?
The implications of him keeping it, specifically keeping it without authorization, are probably severe. My opinion would be he should contact an attorney--maybe that guy that advertises in Reptiles Magazine wanting herp-related cases, and examine his options. I would think he could make a case if he makes a "good faith" effort to notify authorities that he received the boa through what most likely is a case of mistaken identity, and since it would be impractical and maybe even detrimental (to the individual snake and to the wild population) to return a now-captive boa back to its original habitat, he may either receive special authorization to keep it (as long as he doesn't try to sell it) or at least get it to a zoo without any penalties on his part.
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet
CITES only applies to animals that are being imported or exported from one country to another. Unless this boa was exported from South America, CITES regulations do not apply to it. Appendix I animals can be legally owned and moved around the country without any restrictions. There are thousands of un-permitted Appendix I animals legally in the U.S. today. Only animals listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act are regulatorily controlled in the U.S. whether they are CITES listed or not.
Kelly
Correct--I was assuming the animal came in from its country of origin.
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet
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