Need clarification on NY reptile law

[mcspin]

I'm in NY, and when reading the state regulations, it seems as if it is illegal to breed, sell or even possess any animal (including reptiles) that is native to NY. Does anyone know if that applies to any Garter snake or just the species found here? I'm wondering if domestic morphs would also fall into the banned list? Thanks for any input.

[guidofatherof5]

We have a number of NY members that can probably help you with that question.
Reptile Laws for Every State » New York Reptile Laws (http://reptilelaws.org/new-york-reptile-laws/)

[mcspin]

I have read the law, but as written it's as clear as mud - open to a lot of interpretation. It actually says you cannot posses, breed or sell any herps. Now, does that include those that are captive breed, any wild herp from anywhere in the world, just species that exit as native New York wildlife, or something in between?
You can apply for a permit to possess certain ones, but it still doesn't allow breeding or selling. I'd call the state, but with government, the answer you get seems to vary with who you talk to. I was hoping that someone has checked into this and knows the limitations.

[Rushthezeppelin]

Lol I feel ya on the clear as mud part. Here in Texas we have rather convoluted laws with relation to alot of herps that on their face make it seem like I could not breed Radix or Sirtalis commercially but it turns out even though I see nothing written in the law about it that if you can prove your breeders were not WC and get the proper permit then you can breed them. Have to keep strict logs though.

[guidofatherof5]

I think it's the same about everywhere. Those codes are not something DNR Officers deal with very often. I had trouble with a local Officer who wasn't correct when he quoted the code to the Health Dept. That added to weeks to my fight to keep my snapping turtle. I knew the officer was wrong so I didn't worry about it.

[Rushthezeppelin]

I think it's the same about everywhere. Those codes are not something DNR Officers deal with very often. I had trouble with a local Officer who wasn't correct when he quoted the code to the Health Dept. That added to weeks to my fight to keep my snapping turtle. I knew the officer was wrong so I didn't worry about it.

Ya even worse. You have clear as mud regs then you throw very opinionated people on top of that to enforce said regs. Heck sounds alot like my career field, home inspections. I deal with certifying homes Energy Star and frankly our code has a lot of grey area, some inspectors are total nazis about it and other's like me try to take a realistic approach and really only go after people on things that actually will affect their customer's energy bills.

[mcspin]

Ya even worse. You have clear as mud regs then you throw very opinionated people on top of that to enforce said regs. Heck sounds alot like my career field, home inspections. I deal with certifying homes Energy Star and frankly our code has a lot of grey area, some inspectors are total nazis about it and other's like me try to take a realistic approach and really only go after people on things that actually will affect their customer's energy bills.


My past experience with wildlife officials is similar to your description. They have convinced me that 95% of them simply want to throw their weight around and will do everything in their power to prevent you from doing what you want, no matter what the regs say. This is why I don't want to call them, you can't trust what that particular person says. If I don't need a permit, I don't want to alert them, since that is an invitation for them to abuse their power once again.

I once participate in a volunteer program in New York that involved raising chickens. "Volunteer" turned into "do what we say, or we'll shut you down". I think I'll apply my own interpretation of the regs, until I hear different.

[Albert Clark]

I'm in NY, and when reading the state regulations, it seems as if it is illegal to breed, sell or even possess any animal (including reptiles) that is native to NY. Does anyone know if that applies to any Garter snake or just the species found here? I'm wondering if domestic morphs would also fall into the banned list? Thanks for any input.
The N.Y.S. laws on reptiles start out with the statement that it is unlawful to possess a "wild" animal. Wild includes members of felidae( except domestic cats), all members of canidae (except domestic dogs), all bears , non human primates, venomous reptiles, and crocodiles. If you possess any of these you have 60 days to obtain a permit from the D.E.C. As far as breeding , selling, reptiles that are native to N.Y.S. The selling part is not allowed and is prohibited at expos, shows. There are a handful of protected reptiles and amphibians as well in N.Y.S. The D.E.C. does make it illegal to sell, possess, collect native species to N.Y.S. Mostly, that refers to the protected species. It's always a good idea to join your states local herpetological society bc they are usually affiliated with universities and veterinary institutions. The one in N.Y. is the long island herp society and they are affiliated with Farmingdale university.