I live in IL and am having trouble finding information on keeping venomous species. Do any of you have experience in what permits are required and which agency to speak with on obtaining them? Thank you for your time.
Bill
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permit for IL??
booradley
Nov 16, 2003 10:28 PM
Replies (6)
jfmoore
Nov 17, 2003 12:01 AM
Hi Bill –
That’s because it is totally illegal for private parties to possess venomous reptiles in Illinois. Probably not a good idea to be contacting any agencies! You could move to Indiana where it IS legal.
-Joan
booradley
Nov 17, 2003 12:26 PM
Oh, I don't actually have any hots. I was just wondering what it took to own one. Thanks for the info. That could have been an interesting situation.
Bill
JOnt52
Nov 17, 2003 05:06 PM
According to Coastalreptiles.com you can
Illinois:
Native Venomous: Permit required
Exotic Venomous: Permit required
Protected Native Venomous: Permit required
Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus)
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Endangered Species Project Manager
524 S. Second St., Lincoln Tower Plaza
Springfield, IL 62701-1787
jfmoore
Nov 17, 2003 05:43 PM
Unless you fall into one of the following categories you will NOT be receiving a permit to keep venomous (or as Illinois law calls them, “poisonous”) reptiles.
(720 ILCS 585/1)
Sec. 1. No person shall have a right of property in, keep, harbor,
care for, act as custodian of or maintain in his possession any
dangerous animal except at a properly maintained zoological park,
federally licensed exhibit, circus, scientific or educational
institution, research laboratory, veterinary hospital or animal refuge
in an escape-proof enclosure.
(Source: P.A. 84-28.)
The entire text of the Illinois Dangerous Animals Act can be accessed here.
-Joan
sballard
Nov 17, 2003 07:55 PM
Joan is right. The information that Mardi Snipes is using has come from John Levell's book entitled "A Field Guide to Reptiles and the Law". In Levell's section on the Illinois laws, there are several incorrect items. Currently in Illinois, there is no permit system for the keeping of venomous reptiles by private individuals. It is currently illegal for private individuals to do so in Illinois. If you have any questions about the laws in Illinois as they regard to herps, I'd be happy to do what I can to answer them for you.
Gargoyle420
Nov 20, 2003 01:47 AM
I have went all routes trying to get a permit,and you better have a damn good reason or they will laugh at you.I would keep one for the hell of it but im damn sure there is no antivenom in the 3 hostpitals in Peoria.Ive always wanted a copperhead but i could see a media circus and village ordinances being passed because of my stupidity....Paul.
