Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Someone in my neighborhood complained that I had snakes and animal control came knocking on my door. After looking around and in every bin and cage I have (35 of them) they agreed that everything was on the up and up....damn nosey neighbors lol.

The highlight of the night was when I assured them that my animals where real tame and wouldn't you know it that just as soon as I said that one of the officers was bitten by my amel black rat!! Luckily she was a corn snake fan and didn't mind too much.

Has anyone else had this happen to them?

...sorry you had to deal with that sorta call but look on the upside, now they will be unlikely to even bother coming out for future calls lol.

Also be glad it wasn't fish and game that came out. Out here in california they have a long history of siezing entire collections because they can't properly ID reptiles and then by the time you get your collection back half of them are dead from poor husbandry by fish and game.

Sean.

im not much for lawsuits but i think that would be the proper time. or at least use the courts to force them to reemburse you.
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jake barney

my addiction:
1.1 ball pythons
0.2.1 corns
1.0 cal king
0.0.1 wc garter

Or it could be like Pennsylvania, where the fish commission's policy is to euthanise, then ID.

You actually let them in without a warrant?

Not gonna happen here - I promise you that! In most states, "Fish and Game" can search without a warrant (kinda like Italy under Nazi rule, isn't it?), but I'm not aware of animal control having those types of super-authority powers....at least not any any of the states I'd bother living in!

KJ

>>Someone in my neighborhood complained that I had snakes and animal control came knocking on my door. After looking around and in every bin and cage I have (35 of them) they agreed that everything was on the up and up....damn nosey neighbors lol.
>>
>>The highlight of the night was when I assured them that my animals where real tame and wouldn't you know it that just as soon as I said that one of the officers was bitten by my amel black rat!! Luckily she was a corn snake fan and didn't mind too much.
>>
>>Has anyone else had this happen to them?
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KJUN Snakehaven

I had no problem with it. They were very staight forward with me before asking to come inside and just wanted to make sure there where no exotic hots inside wich are against county code. I had already made sure with the county that everythiing was on the up and up before I built up my collection. It worked out well because the animal control officers enjoyed the "tour" and said they where impressed with how I kept them. They then asked if would agree to be an on call for seized/forfeited reptiles that needed temp housing. I agreed since this now gives me a good repor and reputation with them and the county.
Believe it or not my county is pretty much hands off with peoples affairs so long it doesn't effect anyone else. One of the AC officers also had corn snakes so that helped. They also said that they would let the "complainant" know how well the snakes were kept and that I would be keeping "foster snakes" for the county in the future..LOL Just what the SOB wanted to have happen I'm sure!!

This kind of thing just pisses me off. Good job to you for doing right and good job to the officers for seeing through a friviles complaint, I hate people that don't have the cahonees to talk to you face to face and have to complain behind your back.
Foot Hill Reptiles

I still won't let them into my home without a warrant on principle. I suggest others be very polite to them, but stand by their rights, too. They have no right to step in, and I want to make sure THEY know it. It turned out right for you, but what about the herper that had a digital camera (nude image of his wife on it) stolen when something similar happened to him? (If you don't know who I mean, you weren't around ~8 years ago!) What if one hated the idea of keeping snakes (PETA) and made a made-up case? Heck "Operation Herp Scam" was all about made up cases....lol

....and they can keep thier "rescues" and the potential diseases those animal could have.....lol. now, if they have a random honey bee swarm then need removed!

KJ
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KJUN Snakehaven

Just to piss them off.

Glad it worked out ok.

Or play that jingle on the ice-cream truck all night. The nieghbor that does not complain to you is guilty. Afraid of of sticking out on 2 complaints.

Need more evil legal ways to bug your nieghbors email me

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Thanks for reading.
Big Tom

www.herpzilla.com

that's my nightmare! I have a good sized collection, and they are on a schedule. Feed one day, and then five or six days everyone gets cleaned. What if they come just the day before while I'm at work? With warrant already in hand? I'd be in trouble! Cause all it takes is one little poop for them to make a fuss! But it turned out fine in your case. You had an officer that was knowlegeable with herps. Many are not! But If everything had just been cleaned and they arrived here, I too would welcome them in with open arms. And gladly give a tour. Thankfully all my neighbors have long known that I have snakes and tolerate it fine as it isn't like I take long walks with my pinesnakes outside! Course...this IS North Dakota...he he he

I too have told the local cops that if they have some reptile related thing where they need my assistance, to give a call. They have my number and address...