And then there's this...

http://www.starnewsonline.com/articl...9988?p=1&tc=pg

Reptile rules among new N.C. laws taking effect

By Gary D. Robertson
Associated Press

People who own crocodiles, venomous snakes and large pythons in North Carolina must secure them in containers and face prosecution if the reptiles gravely attack a friend or stranger in legislation that takes effect Tuesday in North Carolina.

The new reptiile rules are among more than 50 largely criminal justice laws approved this year, including a texting-while-driving ban for all motorists, more authority for state officers who oversee probationers and the most significant changes to the state's sentencing grid since it began.

The minimum safety requirements for keeping dangerous reptiles are designed to update an abridged 60-year-old reptile law, said Andrew Wyatt of Coinjock, president of the United States Association of Reptile Keepers. Increasing numbers of people now own these reptiles as a pet or for business who aren't linked to zoos or museums.

“People that want to work with the“People that want to work with these type of animals are going to have to meet best industry management practices,” said Wyatt, who helped draft the state legislation sponsored by Sen. Ed Jones, D-Halifax. “They're going to have to step up to the plate to make sure that all the proper protocols are adhered to.”se type of animals are going to have to meet best industry management practices,” said Wyatt, who helped draft the state legislation sponsored by Sen. Ed Jones, D-Halifax. “They're going to have to step up to the plate to make sure that all the proper protocols are adhered to.”

Private owners now will have to store or transport venomous reptiles, large constricting snakes and nonnative crocodilians in “escape-proof” and “bite-proof” enclosures with a working lock. The enclosures must be labeled to include emergency contact information and what should happen if the reptile bites someone or escapes.

Someone who intentionally or negligently handles these reptiles in an unsafe manner could be charged with a misdemeanor. The owner could face up to 150 days in jail if someone besides a family member or employee suffers a life-threatening injury or dies as a result. A current owner who doesn't want to follow the new rules also could face a similar punishment if the person releases a nonnative reptile into the wild, instead of finding a new owner.

An 8-foot pet python strangled a Florida toddler in July. The python's owner was the boyfriend of the child's mother, though Wyatt said he's not aware of any such accident occurring in North Carolina.