update on ohio reptile ban :(

[BFE Pets]

Sooo not happy about this. Copy and pasted from reptile channel. Please if you are an ohioian contact your representive and let them know how you oppose sb310.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich has signed SB310, the Ohio Dangerous Wild Animal Act into law, placing restrictions on certain reptiles, and banning the sale of other reptiles. The law takes effect September 3, 2012.

The following reptiles can no longer be sold at auctions in the state of Ohio: alligators, crocodiles, caiman (Crocodylidae) and komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis). The following constricting snakes can still be sold at trade shows: Burmese pythons (Molurus bivittatus), reticulated pythons (Python reticulatus), African rock pythons ( Python s. sebae), amethystine pythons (Morelia amethistina) and anacondas (Eunectes sp) However, anacondas and pythons longer than 12 feet will require a permit to possess, and those in possession of venomous snakes will be required to have access to anti-venom for every venomous snake in their possession, and will be responsible for any medical bills that result from a venomous snake bite.

The Ohio Dangerous Wild Animal Act becomes effective September 3, 2012. After this date, current owners of certain restricted snakes will have to register their animals with the Ohio Department of Agriculture by November 2, 2012. Non-exempt animals must be micro-chipped at the time of registration. Those who wish to possess a restricted snake after January 1, 2014 must apply for a permit and show that they meet the requirements of that permit. This includes adhering to the caging, fencing, and public signage requirements as stated by Ohio law. The permit to possess a restricted snake (anacondas and pythons larger than 12 feet, certain vipers and venomous snakes) is $150 with a liability or surety bond requirement of $100,000 to $500,000. The permit to breed, sell, and trade in restricted snakes will be $300 with a liability or surety bond requirement of $100,000 to $500,000. It will be illegal to allow a restricted snake to roam off the owner's property, punishable as a first degree misdeameanor on the first offense and a felony for any offenses that follow. Anyone who knowingly releases a restricted snake will be charged with a felony.

[DemmBalls]

That's a huge blow to Ohio herpers. I lived there for years, but recently moved back to PA. Anything out of staters can do to help? I have quite a few friends keeping herps in Ohio still. I hate to see them losing their rights to these awesome animals.

[Mike41793]

Well theres another state i wont live in...

[BFE Pets]

T
Anything out of staters can do to help? I have quite a few friends keeping herps in Ohio still. I hate to see them losing their rights to these awesome animals.

only thing anyone can do at this point from my understanding is contact their representative and let them know that they oppose sb310. There have been more people injured by dogs in Ohio than captive reptiles in the last decade but I don't see the government stepping in and taking dog owners rights away. I really wish usarc or p-jack would sue the pants off the state for taking our freedom. I don't own any of the banned animals and never really planned to but this is pure bs imo.

[John1982]

The permit to possess a restricted snake (anacondas and pythons larger than 12 feet, certain vipers and venomous snakes) is $150 with a liability or surety bond requirement of $100,000 to $500,000. The permit to breed, sell, and trade in restricted snakes will be $300 with a liability or surety bond requirement of $100,000 to $500,000.

Have any Ohio keepers of these "restricted" species looked into starting a class action lawsuit against the State for alienating their rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?