Finding state laws?

[Virus]

I'm curious, as I'm sure others are, what are some of the best ways to finding your state and local laws for the various reptiles that we keep?

I haven't really found a truly straightforward/in depth site that lets me know the situation, and I have a feeling that it wouldn't be a simple stroll to the local police department.

So, anyone care to share some secrets?

[Maixx]

I would check with your local herp society. There can be so many variables and laws from location (state, county, city) to species oriented (native, invasive).

http://mha.moherp.org/

[fire-eyes]

http://www.bornfreeusa.org/b4a2_exot...ls_summary.php is a good site for state level information. There may be more there, I am not sure. I am also not sure how up to date this is.

[Shadera]

For State, check your state's fish and game website for a list of prohibited animals. For your City, check the local ordinance.

[WingedWolfPsion]

I browsed through the State's fish and game website, and did a whole lot of googling for 'state laws wildlife' and 'state law reptiles', etc, and then called them to clarify a few points--twice.

No, they don't make it easy.

[youbeyouibei]

For State, check your state's fish and game website for a list of prohibited animals. For your City, check the local ordinance.

x2 to that. Best bet would be to start with the state level statutes/laws, as there are administrative codes as well as criminal codes that pertain to animals, depending on your state. Your Department of Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife, etc., whichever the case might be, would be the next stop. You might even want to look at your state department of agriculture, although their regs are generally aimed more at game birds and the raising/keeping of them. If you live in an incorporated area, then you'd more than likely be under the jurisdiction of your local police department (municipal versus a county agency such as a sheriff). They (the police department) would be able to give you a copy or direct you where to find local ordinances pertaining to keeping animals. In Indiana, where I live, a local ordinance cannot be less stringent than State law but it can be more so, so if state law allows me to keep ten Burmese pythons, a local city can restrict that to one or none or any number less than ten. Best bet is to start with the state-level agencies and work your way down the chain. Tedious and time consuming but if you don't and they find a violation, bet the farm they'll nail you on it.