Louisiana
Considers Reptile Restrictions
The Louisiana House of Representatives in May passed a bill
that would impose additional restrictions on certain reptiles
in the state, according to the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council
(Washington).
House Bill 783 would require the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission
to adopt regulations on “the importation and private
possession” of all constrictor snakes not indigenous
to the state. The bill also provides for progressively increasing
fines and incarcerating persons who violate the law.
The Wildlife and Fisheries Commission already has statutory
authority to regulate constrictor snakes longer than 12 feet,
as well as the authority to regulate venomous snakes, according
to PIJAC.
Furthermore, there is no evidence that small constrictors
in the state pose a serious risk, the trade organization said.
The bill was assigned to the Senate Committee on Natural
Resources and, at press time, was set for a May hearing. [July
2006 PET AGE]
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