Lacey Act

Can somebody explain to me what the Lacey Act is? Isn't somebody trying to take away our reptiles or something?😒😒😒😒😒 I'm both confused and annoyed with the subject, if it is actually true....:colbert::confusd::tears:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lacey_Act_of_1900

Basically, it makes transporting certain snakes over state lines illegal.

It's not just snakes. It's any animal deemed invasive and destructive to the natural environment. I'm sure one of the vets of this site can give you a really good run down on all that's going on

Yes I know that but I was explaining how it affects snake keepers specifically. I personally am not involved in the plant trade lol.

Oh, and the banned snakes are:

• - Burmese Pythons
• - 2 species of African Rock Pythons
• - Yellow Anacondas

In regards to us right now, animals listed on the Injurious species list of the Lacey Act cannot be imported into the US, or transported across state lines (I believe the latter part of that is being disputed in court because the language of the statute claims that animals can't be shipped from The contiguous states to Hawaii, Alaska, or other US Territory but does not directly mention transportation between the lower 48). Nobody is directly taking snakes away from their owners in relation to the Lacey Act. Meant to be a means of controlling invasive species, this is more of an effort to cripple the market. Some effected species include.

Burms
Retics
Green Anaconda
Yellow Anaconda
Beni Anaconda
DeSchauensee’s Anaconda
Northern African Rock Python
Southern African Rock Python

And you can still purchase said reptiles as long as they are bred in the state you live in and of course are legal in your county/city. Like tbowman said, they just cant be taken over state lines or imported. This also means that if you move to another state, your snake is sol and isn't going to be going with you.

To me the simple version is that its a few lawmakers with a personal agenda, being supported by some animal rights wackos, and using an unnecessary and badly outdated law to try and control what people keep as pets. The only states where these animals could possibly become invasive already had their own laws in place before this was done. I realize this might be an oversimplified view, but I think it gets the main point across.

In a nutshell, the Lacey Act bans importation, exportation, and interstate travel and trade of certain listed species as well as for any animals, plants, or parts of either that were obtained illegally (Alligators are not a listed species, but it's still illegal to trap one in the everglades and send them or their skin/meat to people in Louisiana, for example). As of right now, that means that you are still allowed to purchase and sell these species, but only within the borders of your own state. USARK has a lawsuit against FWS (the legislative body responsible for the Lacey Act) to challenge it and you can get updates by liking their facebook page (and of course donating!). Their preliminary injunction will actually be ruled on two days from now, which may extend the time period that people can buy sell and transport the latest additions to the Lacey Act (reticulated pythons, green anacondas, beni anaconda, and deschauensee's anaconda). If the relief is granted, it certainly means good things for the rest of the lawsuit, so cross your fingers!

http://www.fws.gov/le/pdffiles/Lacey.pdf