Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What are the plans of the LGCHS members that have been allowed to help form the new DWF regulations on large snakes? I currently keep one large boid (covered by grandfather clause, but I still need a permit?!!) and I had planned on owning more.

About me:
Andrea (then girlfriend, now wife) and I ran a reptile rescue in the early '90's in the Ft. Polk area (DeRidder, LA) and at one given time we had over 80 snakes to care for including 50 large burmese and reticulated pythons. I know all too well the pitfalls associated with young or underinformed persons owning these wonderful creatures. I just don't want my rights to own them to be put in jeopardy by the actions of a few irresponsible keepers.

I am currently working with the Louisiana DWF and local Animal Control in a nuisance capture/release capability. I also perform lectures and demonstrations at local schools with all of our snakes.

There are many more in this state like me: Responsible Large Boid Owners/Breeders. A ban or similar strict regulation of large boids would even take some LA citizens' main source of income away.

I just wanted to hear from some of the commitee members about what they planned to suggest to the DWF in reference to the impending large boid regulations. If anyone has any questions of me, feel free to post them here.

Tom

Tom, I don't see a state ban on owning large boids, just some sort of permit system. However, a parish or local ordinance may already have some sort of ban or may be thinking about one. We need to be cognizant of these situations and deal with them as we come across them. ~Bill~

Thank you for the response, Bill. It just always worries me when legislation "singles out" large boids. This precedence can lead to uninformed local and Parish bans. This also causes owners of large snakes to "walk on eggshells" when dealing with neighbors. Such legislation can be ammunition for an angry or disgruntled neighbor. Even if you have the correct permits, who wants the local authorities searching their house?

Another suggestion would be to require that every potentially large snake be microchipped and the chip ID registered with the owner's name. Bottom line: your snake escapes = you pay the appropriate fine. That and a compulsory education program (similar to the Hunter Safety Course) are, in my opinion, steps in the right direction.

Thanks again,
Tom