Bill in Georgia

http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/pdf/sb303.pdf

It looks like some states are trying to implement a permit system....

Yes most states see a new way of taxing and feeing to create more revenue.

Thanks for the heads up on the bill. I am in Georgia and didn't even know about it. I would support something like this bill.
Thanks
Trey

I see it being an "OK" idea maybe for the larger snakes, but read this.....

Most Ball Pythons would need to be chipped as well, they get to be 2 inches in diameter don't they?

10 LC 21 0526
S. B. 303
- 1 -
Senate Bill 303
By: Senator Douglas of the 17th
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
1 To amend Code Section 27-5-5 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to wild
2 animals for which license or permit is required, so as to include certain reptiles; to provide
3 for a period to obtain a license; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
5 SECTION 1.
6 Code Section 27-5-5 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to wild animals for
7 which license or permit is required, is amended by striking the word "and" at the end of
8 paragraph (5) of subsection (b); by striking the period at the end of paragraph (6) of
9 subsection (b) and inserting "; and"; and by inserting at the end of subsection (b) a new
10 paragraph to read as follows:
11 " (7) Class Reptilia: Order Squamata:
12 (A) Family Pythonidae (pythons): Python molurus (Indian or Burmese python), Python
13 reticulatus (reticulated python), Python sebae (African rock python), and Morelia
14 amethystina (Amethystine or scrub python); and
15 (B) Family Boidae (anacondas): Eunectes murinus (green anaconda).
16 Any animal identified in subparagraph (A) or (B) of this paragraph may be maintained in
17 the owner's residence as a pet under a wild animal license. Any such animal two inches
18 or greater in diameter shall be permanently identified by a microchip such that the owner
19 may readily be located. Any person in possession of any such animal on July 1, 2010, shall
20 have until December 31, 2010, to apply for a wild animal license."
21 SECTION 2.
22 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.

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Originally Posted by mxrider42

Thanks for the heads up on the bill. I am in Georgia and didn't even know about it. I would support something like this bill.
Thanks
Trey

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I'm not oppossed to a permit system at all. I know plenty of people who should not even be allowed to own a hamster, much less be able to go out and buy a snake yet they can just go right to petco/petsmart and buy a baby ball python or boa for $80. Microchips are a little excessive though...

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Originally Posted by 2kdime

I see it being an "OK" idea maybe for the larger snakes, but read this.....

Most Ball Pythons would need to be chipped as well, they get to be 2 inches in diameter don't they?

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The way I interpret it and I might be wrong is that any of the following species Python molurus (Indian or Burmese python), Python reticulatus (reticulated python), Python sebae (African rock python), and Morelia amethystina (Amethystine or scrub python); and (B) Family Boidae (anacondas): Eunectes murinus (green anaconda) should be microshipped if they are 2 inches in diameter or bigger.

Similar to the Florida law

Quote:

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Reptiles of Concern (ROCs) are nonnative reptile species that have the potential to become established in Florida and can threaten native wildlife, cause economic damage or pose a threat to human safety. Rules for Reptiles of Concern (ROCs) go into effect on January 1, 2008. ROCs require a $100 annual permit for personal possession, and any ROC that is 2 inches or greater in diameter must be permanently identified by a microchip (also called a PIT tag). Microchips can be implanted by local veterinarians who work with nonnative species. Any person who possesses an ROC that is 2 inches or greater in diameter before January 1, 2008 will have until July 1, 2008 to get their animal microchipped. Any ROC greater than 2 inches in diameter purchased after January 1, 2008 will need to be microchipped immediately. The following are the Reptiles of Concern:

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That makes sense, thanks Deb!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Deborah

The way I interpret it and I might be wrong is that any of the following species Python molurus (Indian or Burmese python), Python reticulatus (reticulated python), Python sebae (African rock python), and Morelia amethystina (Amethystine or scrub python); and (B) Family Boidae (anacondas): Eunectes murinus (green anaconda) should be microshipped if they are 2 inches in diameter or bigger.

Similar to the Florida law

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Here is a link to the application that you would have to file to be able to keep Indian or Burmese python, reticulated python, African rock python, Amethystine or scrub python, or green anaconda.
From what I read, you will have to show that you are capable of properly caring the animal and go through an inspection to receive the license. It says that you would have to have insurance for the animals listed in O.C.G.A. § 27-5-5, but if you look further down on the application it list all animals that would require insurance and none of the above animals are on the list. It also mentions about having a license from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture do not require any permits or license for reptiles or birds.
Those where my only two concerns with the bill and application. It looks like neither one would affect keeping any of the listed snakes. You just have to get a permit.
Trey

It's crazy to think I live in GA and never heard of this until now.