Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I started about the process for a GA permit to own a cornsnake for educational purposes (wife is a teacher).

I was ok with everything, including the fee, right up until the part about having to grant the government access to where the animal(s) is housed anytime they see fit.

Always a bad idea to grant the government permission to access your home on their whim.

Guess I'll be sticking with the nervous and musky Cal Kings for her to take in. I just know corns to be much more calm in general.

wizbang,

You bring up two issues. First, many herp permits have this condition built in. How is game and fish supposed to do their job without this ability? They are the management agency for this resource. I understand your misgivings about allowing this but this is a two way street. Most times they make appointments. They don't just barge in.

The second issue is that the possession, propagation and sustainable wild collection of corn snakes or any non-Endangered or Threatened species should not be infringed upon. We need to get that ridiculous law over turned.

Good luck,

Mike Welker
El Paso, TX

Oh I get where they are coming from with it I'm just not willing to allow it.

Wish there was an alternative if the snakes will be kept in the home...like a one time inspection and a signed document by me stating things like 1. I won't own more than "x" number 2. I won't remove any from the wild 3. I won't release my captives into the wild etc with harsh monitary penalities if I violate any of the above.

I'd sign that in a heartbeat, just not open season on my private home.

I own cal kings which I had confirmed as approved by the DNR when I moved to GA from IL. They just aren't the best for the classroom although they are ok. Corns are so calm and not prone to musking.

Do you know if there is any push to get the entire law removed? Has anyone come up with a template response we can send to representatives? I'd be happy to do so.

Check the wording of the regulations - in Maryland, DNR is allowed to inspect "at any reasonable hour" without notice. One of my friends had DNR show up while she was fixing dinner for the family, and the actual holder of the permit (and holder of the key) wasn't home to unlock the snake room.

However, they are only allowed to inspect the area where the animal is kept. If that's you're living room, then they can only inspect the living room. If it's a separate enclosure from the house, then they can only inspect that building, not the house.

Katrina

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wizbang,

You bring up two issues. First, many herp permits have this condition built in. How is game and fish supposed to do their job without this ability? They are the management agency for this resource. I understand your misgivings about allowing this but this is a two way street. Most times they make appointments. They don't just barge in.

Good luck,

Mike Welker
El Paso, TX