Reptile & Amphibian Forums

There is a wildlife ordinance in Houston which makes a lot of what goes on at the EXPO illegal in Houston. Will they enforce it? Who knows, but the language is plain. The applicable ordinance starts with section 6-51, here's the link. (PDF format)

http://www.ci.houston.tx.us/codes/codes-6-3.pdf

Here is the link to the Houston homepage, animal ordinances are under CITY DESK

http://www.cityofhouston.gov/

If you are going you should look into that. What a sad day for people in Houston when they let that rule slip by!

Gus

I think people should know about the regulation, but I would also remind you that the eths has a captive bred only rule, negating the wild animal clause. Plus, is not a hot show, and prohibits sale of venomous reptiles in the expo (or has been in the past), negating the dangerous animal clause, (although some larger reptiles might be included). Therefore, this rule should apply in only very few situations. Many houston herpers do keep wild animals they find, so it's probably good you mentioned the regulation. If you live in the limits, I'd suggest reading it.
Brandon

Read the rules, there is no distinction between captive or non-captive produced. Fines are up to $2000.00 per day per animal. Somebody with 10 boas at the ETHS show could have their animals confiscated and be hit with $40K in penalties.

Any snake which may grow to 8' is illegal. That technically includes not only boas and pythons but bullsnakes, many of the ratsnakes, cribos, indigos and more. There are records of ball pythons over 3 meters (9'), technically, even balls are banned.

In addition, any animal which is on the ESL (endangered species list) is also illegal in Houston, regardless of whether or not it would be legal anywhere else or what permits you have from USFWS. Sanzinia, many tortoises, lots of stuff.

There is no way around the rules.. if you live in Houston and you keep any covered animal you might think of getting somebody on the City council who will change that!

Gus