Are ball pythons illegal in...?

[jglass38]

i live in NY and i have a ball python

That doesn't negate what Charlie posted. Pythons are illegal in all 5 boros of NYC. If you own one, you own it illegally.

[monk90222]

i live in NY and i have a ball python

Well then you my friend, are a felon!...and its not a smart idea to flaunt illegal activities on public forums.....

[dr del]

Hi,

i live in NY and i have a ball python

Well then you my friend, are a felon!...and its not a smart idea to flaunt illegal activities on public forums.....

Agreed - and it is actually against the terms and conditions you agreed to abide by when you joined.

8. No posts promoting illegal behavior will be tolerated, including but not limited to warez/pirating of copyrighted material, illegal drug or alcohol usage, and illegal ownership or trafficking of species.

dr del

[Lolo76]

That doesn't negate what Charlie posted. Pythons are illegal in all 5 boros of NYC. If you own one, you own it illegally.

Well then you my friend, are a felon!...and its not a smart idea to flaunt illegal activities on public forums.....

They are prohibited in NYC: http://www.nycacc.org/nychealthcode.htm

But it also says this, which could be a loophole...
"(a) No person shall sell or give to another person, possess, harbor or keep wild animals identified in subsection (b) of this section or in regulations promulgated by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (e) of this section other than in:
(4) A place which has received the approval of the Department to exhibit or use such animals, and which has protective devices which are adequate to prevent such animal from escaping or injuring the public. The Department may impose reasonable conditions and time limits on the granting of such approval."

Furthermore, it is not a felony to own any illegal animal... they simply issue a citation and/or remove the animals from your home. Can you imagine being in jail for having a Ball Python? LMAO. Here's what they do if your animal is deemed "dangerous" -

"(c) If, upon examination of the animal, or consideration of its history of the circumstances of the report made pursuant to ¨þ 11.03, or the complaint concerning said animal, the Department finds the animal to be vicious or dangerous, it may order:
(1) The animal to be surrendered for the purpose of humane destruction;
(2) The animal to be permanently removed from the City;
(3) n/a
(4) Such other action as the Department deems sufficient to insure control of the animal and protection of the public."

[jglass38]

They are prohibited in NYC: http://www.nycacc.org/nychealthcode.htm

But it also says this, which could be a loophole...
"(a) No person shall sell or give to another person, possess, harbor or keep wild animals identified in subsection (b) of this section or in regulations promulgated by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (e) of this section other than in:
(4) A place which has received the approval of the Department to exhibit or use such animals, and which has protective devices which are adequate to prevent such animal from escaping or injuring the public. The Department may impose reasonable conditions and time limits on the granting of such approval."

That isn't a loophole. It is a provision, most likely for zoos or other educational facilities.

[Lolo76]

That isn't a loophole. It is a provision, most likely for zoos or other educational facilities.

Perhaps I used the wrong word, but it could become a "loophole" in the right situation... for instance, I work in education, so maybe I can get a permit if I start doing programs with them? I was thinking about doing that at my new job (in a high school), but was actually wondering how that could work here. Anyway, I'm no lawyer, so I don't know what the bottom line is - my sister does happen to be an attorney, and I might have to ask her about this. I'll let you know if I do, and what she says!

[xbxteen]

... Ball pythons are illegal in NYC... What the????

I was never told this... I have had cops seen my bp and gone to pet shops with my ball python and they never told me this....

I live in the bronx.

[thingsthatmakenoise]

My only question would then be... if they are illegal in the five boroughs why do they sell them (along with other types of snakes) at PetSmart in Staten Island? That makes no sense!

[jglass38]

My only question would then be... if they are illegal in the five boroughs why do they sell them (along with other types of snakes) at PetSmart in Staten Island? That makes no sense!

If they do (which I doubt), then they are doing it illegally. Other types of snakes may be legal. Pythons are not.

[monk90222]

If they do (which I doubt), then they are doing it illegally. Other types of snakes may be legal. Pythons are not.

I was told by a Petland Discounts employee that boas and colubrids can be sold in pet shops in the 5 boroughs. All pythons are illegal.