what should i do?

[Mike41793]

That lady at the petstore was thrown at the wall at a child. I have my dog trained to take care of my snakes better than her. Dont ever listen to another thing she says, shes a moron.
Im pretty sure that lady is not going to call the police and try and get you in trouble because she knows you have a python. You have a few options here. One of them, and im not saying you should because it is illegal, would be to just keep the snake and if anyone asks what youre buying rats for you could just say a cornsnake or other colubrid. Once again, that is illegal and i wouldnt want mounties to come and arrest you for it, but im just saying if i was hypothetically thrust into that situation in an alternate Canadian universe that is what i would hypothetically do. And while i was hypothetically breaking the law i would definetly hpothetically be listening to Rush, the best canadian band ever.

[Slim]

Rush, the best canadian band ever.

[el8ch]

Once again, that is illegal and i wouldnt want mounties to come and arrest you for it ... I would definetly hpothetically be listening to Rush, the best canadian band ever

lol... really?

OP, keep us up to date and let us know what happens.

Still curious as to what part of Ontario you are from, I have pulled more and more city bylaws and almost every one prohibits 'pythonidae' and 'boidae'. One of the cities I looked up that has Ball Pythons as an illegal exotic pet even sells them at the local pet stores.

[Vasiliki]

You could just tell them it's another kind of snake if someone asks, haha. It seems people nowadays can't tell a Ball python from a Burm from a Garter Snake They're all 'big scary dangerous animals that will eat your cat'.

Joking aside...

First step, call your local bylaw and inquire about the status of the current law. As mentioned, some places say they are Illegal to keep without a permit. So you may be able to apply for one if that is the case.

Worst case scenario is that Ball Pythons are illegal in your area. That would be very very unfortunate, but at that point, you have a few options:

1. You keep it, even though it's against the law. This wouldn't be something I'd recommend, as we are trying to keep a positive spin on the hobby and show that we do obey the laws. However, as long as you kept it to yourself, not many people will be coming to your home looking for it. IF they did, however... IF someone found out, you and your family could get in a lot of trouble.

2. Contact the breeder and tell them what's going on. Most will be reasonable and try to help you as best they can. Perhaps you could get a lovely Colubrid or similar snake. They aren't BPs, but they have their quirks. My Corn is a funny duck.

3. If the breeder here will not take it, explain your dilemma and see if someone in your region of Canada can take on this snake from you and give it a home. That way you don't have to put it on Kijiji or Craigslist and you know he'll go to a home that understands BPs. Heck, some of us out West would be willing to help if need be, I'm sure. And that way, you can then get an animal that's legal in your area.

So don't fret too much. It is stressful, but there is always a positive resolution if we think clearly, stay calm and ask questions. Nobody is going to send you to jail for having this animal. And your animal will not be taken away and 'put down'. Take the right steps, take your time, ask for help and this will all get resolved in a positive way.

[emeraldwinter]

I am not in Canada for the summer but usually I live in Toronto and my family home is in Peterborough, Ontario. I have a good friend in Ottawa (is often in Peterborough) that owns snakes and other reptiles responsibly and has a lot of connections in the herping community. He would definitely be able to take the snake from you or find a good home for it if you do have to give it up

[Old Sloppy]

You could ship your BP to me here in the states they are legal.

You could defect to the USA.

To escape political persecution.

banning snakes is definatly political in nature.

(just trying to make light humor of a bad situation)

Harry

[Rat160]

You could defect to the USA.

Harry

I wouldnt do this. Heck the way things are going now im thinking about defecting to Canada!

[Mike41793]

[QUOTE=el8ch;1832659]lol... really?[QUOTE]

Lets be honest here... Out of Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, Bryan Adams, nickelback...etc... Rush is by far the best band to come outta Canada.

The mounty joke was just a cheap shot i couldnt resist adding in hehehehe

[bonus41]

Thanks for the help everyone, i contacted the breeder and he said it was no problem and that he'll give me in store credit. i went up last week and got myself a Brooks King, and i seem to be enjoying him so far

[angllady2]

It's a pity you couldn't keep your ball, they are great snakes. From what I have seen, King snakes are pretty cool as well, and hopefully you will enjoy him for a long time to come.

Gale