new NC snake law

[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.