Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live in Buffalo, NY, and I was watching the local news and they said that "large lizards" amongst other reptiles are going to be illegal as pets and owners will have to surrend their animals to the SPCA asap. I read over the actual bill and it mostly says things about crocodilia and monitors, and poisonous snakes. My neighbor, whom had originally called the police one summer thinking my iguana was an alligator, told me that my iguana is included in that bill. I'm thinking she just said that to be mean, and I've been trying to find out if it's true or not, with no luck. I've had my iguana for over 14 years since he was a baby. He has never injured anyone or anything, and sleeps with the cats and dog I have. He's the family pet, and if this is true, my family might just move out of NYS. Anyone know anything?
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~*Chibi*~
Sir Iggy (El Salvador Blue Iguana), Ryo-ohki, Orion, Bud, & Finnegan (4 crazy kitties), Rosebud (cockerspaniel), and Kayko (leopard gecko)

that infuriates me that they can do that. i wonder if herpers might be able to take refuge against this type of persecution through the bill of rights through religious toleration. i feel that owning and caring for animals is a purpose that God has given man. and if that God-given purpose is denied, i think my religious rights have been denied. i think the type of pet i choose should also be between me and God. if you want to say a dog is okay, or a parrot is okay but a monitor isn't because you don't think God likes big lizards then i think you are usurping my religious right.

http://www.cwapc.org/legislation/state.html

http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A02684&sh=t

Email your state reps for clarification. Looks like the iguana is now a "companion animal"

Cindy

http://www.hsus.org/legislation_laws/state_legislation/state-legislation-list.html?state=new_york

current owners don't have to give up their animals, but they do have to register them i belive before the end of january

Personally, I wouldn't tell anyone I have reptiles or anything other than a cat or dog...don't even dream of registering your reptiles. Keep them inside and keep nosey neighbours out.

I now live in an area that has no exotic animal laws but I did at one time. No way, no how would I allow anyone in my residence (and I was renting an apartment at the time). Even living where I do now in my own house, my neighbours have no idea these things are even here.

I don't take my animals any further than my very private backyard and I only do this when I know my neighbours are not at home.

I respect their right not to be startled or scared of these animals as I've been involved in reps for 15 years and I know all it takes is one complaint. Something else I've been doing is going to schools and colleges with some of my animals giving lectures. In return all I ask them to do is write me a letter of thanks. Shows I have these animals for 'educational purposes' and not just for fun.

Remember what happened in the UK and Australia (and soon to be Canada) with their gun registries. 'oh its ok, we just want you to register your gun so we can help control crime' As soon as they knew who had guns, they made an order just short of an all out ban. Millions had their guns taken away and destroyed.

I know, guns and reptiles are two different things, but keep in mind this is how government likes to operate. We need our own NRA...National Reptile Asociation!

What are they going to do if they don't know? Nothing. What are they going to do if they find out? Warn you, maybe fine you. Pay your fine and then consider registering...or get a better hiding system!

This is just my opinion.