Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What is the law at the state level regarding keeping venomous snakes in Texas and receiving venomous reptiles from dealers/breeders by Delta airlines? I've heard it is illegal after Sep. 1st to have venomous in Texas. I've also heard they will go to a permit system in April. Any info that could clear this up for me would be greatly appreciated.

I don't think venomous shipping laws change after sept 1, which is when the sales of wc turtles in tx becomes restricted (some species). Delta ships venomous but you must be a "approved shipper" meaning you have a history already with them. I think you can apply to become one but you have to be inspected, etc...

Indeed plans are in the works to restrict all non-native venomous snakes from entering Texas, sometime next year. The owners of those that already exist will have to voluntarily report thier collections to TPWD for inspection and then will have to be permitted in order to keep thier collections. Any animals later found unpermitted will be removed or destroyed and the owners subject to misdemeanor charges.
I know lots of those who keep hots, some of those are o.k. with coming forward, others are not, feeling an invasion of privacy.
All native venomous not currently protected by law will fall under the new white list restrictions and will also be subject to permitting,inspection, etc, just like other nonvenomous reptiles and amphibians on the list.
Information gathered from TPWD website and personal comm. with regulations coordinator, Robt. McDonald.
hope the info helps.

It is NOT possible for Texas to restrict non-native snakes from entering the state.

It will NOT be a law because it is impossible to enforce.

Randal Berry

>>It is NOT possible for Texas to restrict non-native snakes from entering the state.
>>
>>It will NOT be a law because it is impossible to enforce.
>>
>>
>>
>>Randal Berry

I don't agree with the law but the state can do whatever they want, so it IS possible. Hopefully they don't but they can very well do it.
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Steve W.

Steve,
Tell me HOW they can prevent non-native snakes from entering the state? By passing a law?
The are thousands of entry roads in the state, plus multiple airports.

Are they going to stop vehicles and inspect them? Are they going to inspect the cargo holds of hundreds of planes that land dailey in Texas?

Here's an example, say I have to ship cobra's from my state (Arkansas) to Nevada. Well, the connecting flight from Little Rock to Las Vegas is Dallas. Thus, those snakes have entered Texas in route from Arkansas.

See my point? Thats why I said it will be impossible to enforce non-native snakes from coming into the state of Texas, whether or not their destination is Texas or wherever.

Sure, Texas can pass any law it wants, but does that mean it's enforcible? Thats why I said what I said.

"It is NOT possible for Texas to restrict non-native snakes from entering the state."

"It will NOT be a law because it is impossible to enforce."

Randal

>>Steve,
>>Tell me HOW they can prevent non-native snakes from entering the state? By passing a law?
>>The are thousands of entry roads in the state, plus multiple airports.
>>
>>Are they going to stop vehicles and inspect them? Are they going to inspect the cargo holds of hundreds of planes that land dailey in Texas?
>>
>>Here's an example, say I have to ship cobra's from my state (Arkansas) to Nevada. Well, the connecting flight from Little Rock to Las Vegas is Dallas. Thus, those snakes have entered Texas in route from Arkansas.
>>
>>See my point? Thats why I said it will be impossible to enforce non-native snakes from coming into the state of Texas, whether or not their destination is Texas or wherever.
>>
>>Sure, Texas can pass any law it wants, but does that mean it's enforcible? Thats why I said what I said.
>>
>>"It is NOT possible for Texas to restrict non-native snakes from entering the state."
>>
>>"It will NOT be a law because it is impossible to enforce."
>>
>>Randal

I'm sorry. Your wording said " It is not possible for them to restrict the animals from entering'. They can restrict them and they can enter "illegally". My point is that if the law is passed they will come down hard on the people they DO catch breaking the law to make an example of them. Thus making the law not impossible to enforce just dangerous to break.
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Steve W.