new NC snake law

[ChristinaP]

I don't see anything wrong with it. I have all 3 of my snakes in a viv with a locking lid, and on top of that, my ball has 4 books which totals roughly 15 pounds. To me, it's making snake owners responsible for their snakes. The same as any other animal. For example your doggie gets loose, you are responsible for bites or yard damage done by said dog. I support it. Although I do think some of the facts are a bit over the top. I would like to see a snake eat a German Shephard (not really but something in comparison) and I'm not sure ab out the 20ft python surviving the winter (stupid question, do pythons even hybernate since they're not native to cold winters?)

[hud556]

I agree with educating potential large python owners. I agree with holding the keeper responsible for escapes of potentialy dangerous animals. But I dont agree with the legislation just my opinion.

[Clear]

This law is a great law and should be in place in every state. It will help against the fight for banning all snakes. Also what responsible snake keeper doesnt keep there snakes in secure enclosures? I dont want my babies escaping and getting hurt, how about you?

[Skiploder]

I agree with educating potential large python owners. I agree with holding the keeper responsible for escapes of potentialy dangerous animals. But I dont agree with the legislation just my opinion.

What part of the legislation do you have a specific issue with?

Maybe you should let USARK know so they can keep from making the same error in another state.

I've attached a link to the bill so that you can outline the parts you have the most issue with.......

http://www.usark.org/statelaws.php?state=NC

[aaramire]

I did read the legislation, and after perusing it I came to the conclusion that it was not as bad as I first thought, or as the article made it seem. The article is what upset me the most I think, just the bogus facts and all that nonsense. I think its great that they are choosing to compromise instead of just outright banning animals. I hope that this can be a good example for future legislation in other states.

[Skiploder]

I did read the legislation, and after perusing it I came to the conclusion that it was not as bad as I first thought, or as the article made it seem. The article is what upset me the most I think, just the bogus facts and all that nonsense. I think its great that they are choosing to compromise instead of just outright banning animals. I hope that this can be a good example for future legislation in other states.

Newspaper articles in general are full of bogus fact and general inconsistencies - be it politics, current events, etc. Your better off ignoring crap like that.

I don't think requiring reptile owners to act like responsible human beings is compromising. It's sad that we have to enact laws to get people to do the the right thing.

[aaramire]

I agree and my point is that most of us do not need this legislation to get us to properly keep our reptiles, so this a way of compromising with the government instead of just having an outright ban. Maybe the government doesnt see it that way, but I think that it will be helpful in preventing some crappy keepers from keeping these animals. My only question is how will they enforce it and how will they designate what is "proper" housing, aside from locks?

[mainbutter]

I agree and my point is that most of us do not need this legislation to get us to properly keep our reptiles, so this a way of compromising with the government instead of just having an outright ban. Maybe the government doesnt see it that way, but I think that it will be helpful in preventing some crappy keepers from keeping these animals. My only question is how will they enforce it and how will they designate what is "proper" housing, aside from locks?

They probably specifically did not go into detail on what is "proper" and what is not, because there would be too much argument over what is and what isn't good housing.

I have some problems with the section on handling.. the way it is worded, it could be interpreted that you could not allow a visitor to your home to handle or help handle your large constrictors.

32 "It shall be unlawful for any person to intentionally or negligently suggest,
33 entice, invite, challenge, intimidate, exhort or otherwise induce or aid any person to handle or
34 expose himself in an unsafe manner to any reptile regulated in any manner
35 under this Article."

Is asking your friend to help you while you clean your retic's cage intentionally inviting him to expose himself in an unsafe manner? Is handling your burm with someone else in the room intentionally exposing yourself and the other person in an unsafe manner to the snake?
Some would say that yes, large snakes are inherently unsafe, but to a degree that we can control so that it is more safe than might be otherwise.

There is purposeful ambiguity in the wording, which opens up options for keepers but also creates legal concerns for them as well.

[Skiploder]

I agree and my point is that most of us do not need this legislation to get us to properly keep our reptiles, so this a way of compromising with the government instead of just having an outright ban. Maybe the government doesnt see it that way, but I think that it will be helpful in preventing some crappy keepers from keeping these animals. My only question is how will they enforce it and how will they designate what is "proper" housing, aside from locks?

Good questions.

I strongly suggest you ask that question of USARK since they co-authored the bill. It would be informative to hear what they have in mind when it comes to defining some of the requirements of the bill.

[hud556]

What part of the legislation do you have a specific issue with?

Maybe you should let USARK know so they can keep from making the same error in another state.

I've attached a link to the bill so that you can outline the parts you have the most issue with.......

http://www.usark.org/statelaws.php?state=NC

I dont agree with the government telling me how I have to do things in my own home, Its as simple as that.