Reptile & Amphibian Forums

many of us lives in state that it is almost virtually impossible to find out what is unlawful to keep reptile wise. Not saying that one couldn't find their city/township law but state law............my own state has what i call a hidden agenda on particular laws concerning and or vague in trying to find out. My own state does not make it easy to see any proposals oncoming laws concerning. So here we have many very average persons keeping reptiles that has no idea that they may be breaking a law by the above. The average person doesn't think of checking in with wildlife, city animal ordnances, etc. The only thing that is definite on restrictions of keeping is if you rent and the tenant law states what animals you can keep and what animals you can't. Tell a kid or the father of that kid that went out and caught a herp to keep as a pet, part of a responsible pet keeper experience, or what ever that they need to check in with wildlife or state to check if they are lawful on keeping that herp. Reptile laws are to vague to say the least in most cases to cover the average person. The laws can change without any notice as well. They did whilst i kept herps in Missouri from one year to the next. I guess one could pull that thought on me by saying that if i was more responsible I SHOULD of been more consistent on law changes. If the new proposal of a law that may come down in my now resident state, I know of MANY people that will not be aware of it ! Because it is not addressed easily if even on state wildlife site and or legislative site. So it will be our fault if we break the law ?................

Unfortunately, as is the case with everything else, "ignorance of the law, is not a defense". Sad but true. Websites from whichever branch of state gov't regulate reptiles is the best bet - they "should" have a searchable database for laws and regulations. Then call and talk to an official about those regulations.

Word of advice though, don't take even their word as gospel. Unfortunately, many of these herp laws aren't created by people truly in the know, and may be vague. Different officials may interpret them in different ways. The best thing you could do is to talk to an official, and get them to write you a physical signed letter, stating the law, and how he interprets it. Then at least if there are complications in the future, you have a signed document you can fall back on. Hope this helps a little bit.

Lisa
Living Earth Environmental Education
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If your state has a pet law yahoo group, It will keep you informed of legislative developments. Other wise, look at the national group and scroll through the message index to see if your state has any discussion threads:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pet-law/
Pet/Animal Law forums for selected states.