Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey,

I saw a news story today that a man in NJ had his tortoises confiscated and was fined because he failed to have a permit to possess them. I know that it is illegal to sell tortoises in NJ, but the requirement of a permit to possess your pets is news to me as I have three sulcatas who have been residing with my parents in NJ part of the year...

So, now I'm worried that mine are at risk. I wanted to find out if anyone here has gone through the permit process, what exactly is required, and if I run the danger of having my tortoises confiscated for applying for the permit after having them in the state some of the time for the past 8 years. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Oh, and based on the research I've done so far, I have found that for obtaining a permit they want a bill of sale, but I don't have one for the hatchlings that I got 14 years ago and are now behemoths. Any suggestions on this as well.

Thanks!

Hi,

I can't say I have had experience with exactly the situation you describe, but I do know whom you should contact to begin a dialogue: EXOTICPERMITS@dep.state.nj.us

Last time I dealt with the wildlife permits unit, there was a very nice lady named Linda Buono working there. I think if you describe the situation emphasizing that the animals are only there part-time and that you have owned them 14 years (which may even be prior to the no sales law), you might very well be exempted from the permit requirement or be granted the permit based on grandfathering depending upon when the law went into effect. If you are nervous about it, have a friend write them and ask a hypothetical question describing your situation and see what response he/she receives.

I have to hope that if you are honest and forthright you will be treated fairly. Of course it doesn't always happen, but one must have faith.