THE LEDGER (Lakeland, Florida) 18 September 08 Rules on Exotic Pets Change
Residents who own reptiles that are not native to Florida can now give up their pets whenever they want without facing a penalty ó instead of releasing them into the Everglades.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said in a statement Thursday that releasing exotic animals - such as iguanas and pythons - is a 'significant pathway for the introduction of nonnative species.' Plus, it's illegal.
Wildlife officials were most concerned with pythons being released into the wild because they do not have a natural predator, said spokeswoman Patricia Behnke.
The commission adopted the new rules on Wednesday that expand a series of pet amnesty events so pet owners can surrender their unwanted pets to a wildlife sanctuary instead of illegally releasing them. These sanctuaries are mostly for exhibit and rehabilitative purposes. Before, pet owners were only allowed to surrender their animals on designated events. Now, they can simply call their local zoo, or anybody that is licensed to have captive wildlife, if they could take in the animal.
Rules on Exotic Pets Change