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GRAND FORKS HERALD (N Dakota) 15 March 05 Senate endorses ban on ownership of poisonous snakes
Bismark, N.D. (AP): North Dakotans shouldn't be allowed to keep poisonous snakes unless they have a license from the state veterinarian, the state Senate decided.
The legislation was introduced after an incident in Bismarck last summer, in which two men used the Internet to acquire four exotic, poisonous snakes, which they kept in their apartment and took around to show off.
"People were possessing, in an unsafe way, very seriously venomous snakes, for which there is no antivenom available in this state," said Sen. Connie Triplett, D-Grand Forks. "If someone had been bitten, they would have died."
The new law bans possession of poisonous snakes unless the handler is licensed, has demonstrated he or she knows how to handle snakes, and is using them for educational purposes.
A violation would be a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. The legislation also bars releasing a poisonous snake.
Senators voted 46-0 on Tuesday to approve the bill. It now returns to the House, which earlier approved an almost identical version of the measure.
Senate endorses ban on ownership of poisonous snakes

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STAR PRESS (Muncie, Indiana) 17 March 05 Stolen gators returned to pet shop (Nick Werner)
Photo: These alligators were recovered Wednesday by Muncie police after being stolen from McDonald's Pet and Gift Shop late Sunday. The two juveniles who had the alligators are not thought to have been involved in the break-in. (Kurt Hostetler)
Muncie: City police on Wednesday recovered two alligators that had been stolen from a northside pet shop Sunday night.
Authorities arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection with the crime. He faces preliminary burglary charges.
The teenager kept one alligator at his eastside home and gave the other to a friend, Muncie police Sgt. Al Williams said.
Both alligators, about 12 inches long and valued at $199 each, were in good condition and returned to McDonald's Pets and Gifts, 1212 E. McGalliard Road.
"They're doing fine," store manager Marie Williams said. "They're happy to be back where they belong."
Store employees said the juvenile gained access to the store late Sunday by throwing a brick through a window.
Sgt. Williams said the juvenile's family members were cooperative during the investigation, which was still considered ongoing as of Wednesday afternoon.
Marie Williams said the store bought the alligators from an Ohio supplier about two weeks ago. They live in a tank with a heat lamp.
Owning an alligator longer than five feet requires a state permit. At that point it is considered a "dangerous reptile," according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and neighbors must be notified of its presence.
Alligators smaller than five feet are not regulated.
Stolen gators returned to pet shop