In most states, it is legal to catch and keep venomous snakes as pets with a license. In other states, it is completely illegal to possess them. There are also endangered species that are protected by law. There are laws on breeding, importing and exporting venomous snakes. Georgia`s strange snake keeping laws mean that it is illegal to keep non-venomous snakes such as cornsnakes, snakes, etc. Permits are required for the importation, transportation and possession of illegally possessed wildlife. Just because you can legally license a venomous snake doesn`t mean it`s even easy to do so. Tennessee, for example, has regulations on who can get a license. It`s similar in many states across the country, meaning your application is likely to be denied. The fangs of most king cobras are less than half an inch long, but they are potentially deadly.
One bite can contain enough poison to kill 20 people, and these snakes strike with incredible speed and precision. Their poison contains neurotoxins that affect the circulatory, nervous and respiratory systems. A bite from a pet cobra can take you to the hospital – or morgue. The law in South Carolina regarding the possession or sale of venomous snakes is unclear. Although it is illegal to own an exotic animal without first obtaining a license, and although venomous snakes fall under this definition, this law seems to be applied very vaguely. Under R12-4-406. Restricted living wildlife, it is illegal for anyone to own a venomous snake in Arizona without a permit. These include elapids, vipers, sea snakes, boomslangs and aspes. The Endangered Species Act protects native species by preventing anyone in any state from harassing, killing or taking snakes out of the wild.
On the list are many protected snakes that: Unlike other snakes, it rarely hunts other vertebrates such as rodents and lizards. Permits are required for the importation of legal pets listed in Section 4-71-6.5 of the Hawaii Business Rules. These animals are subject to quarantine rules before being legally distributed to their owners. Wildlife educator Tom Hudak was called in to treat the cobra when it arrived at its destination. Hudak has the appropriate permits from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to treat certain types of venomous snakes, including cobras, that we purchased. Permits are required for the importation, transport and possession of illegally held wildlife. You`ve probably seen photos of the exotic and alluring king cobra swaying while a snake charmer plays the flute. But as fascinating as they are, king cobras are not good pets.
However, since snakes are not listed, you can legally keep poisonous snakes if you have permission to do so. According to the Oregon Department of Wildlife, venomous snakes are listed as prohibited species in Oregon. These include rattlesnakes, copper and cotton-mouth snakes, cobras, brown snakes, puffed vipers and some other vipers. In addition to federal laws governing the ownership and treatment of animals, each state has certain prohibitions or restrictions on which exotic animals can be owned as pets. Whether you already own an exotic pet, are considering buying one, or have been injured by another pet, contact a personal injury attorney to better manage your state`s exotic pet laws. Under 321 CMR 9.00: Exemption List, all venomous snakes must be licensed. Under this list, various non-venomous snakes can be kept as pets without permission, including king snakes, gopher snakes, snakes, etc. Fortunately, the dog survived, but the missing snake, allegedly kept illegally as a pet, spread fear throughout the community until it was captured by animal welfare officials a few days later. The king cobra is not considered aggressive.
[39] It usually dodges people and escapes when disturbed, but it is known to aggressively defend hatching eggs and quickly attack intruders. When alerted, he lifts the front part of his body, stretches the hood, shows his fangs and whistles loudly. [35] [40] The wild king cobras found in Singapore appeared calm, but they stood up and struck in self-defense when cornered. [41] If we can keep reptiles other than pets, why is it morally wrong to keep a king cobra? First of all, the life of the animal you keep must always be respected. If you are caught keeping a king cobra in an area where it is illegal, the snake is likely to be confiscated and euthanized. This is hardly fair to the Cobra, which will have no say in this matter. You expose yourself to the risk of prosecution and the cobra to the risk of death by possessing it illegally. The officials who searched the package removed the cobras, but allowed the turtles to be delivered to Franco`s address the next day under controlled circumstances before looting the U.S.
under NEB. REV. STAT. § 37-477 – the law that determines which animals require a permit – reptiles, poisonous or otherwise, are not mentioned. So you can legally keep a venomous snake without a license. By N.H. CODE ADMIN. According to §804.01, it is illegal to possess “venomous reptiles,” which include poisonous snakes. No authorization to possess may be granted. Other non-venomous snakes require a permit. Maybe you`ve always wanted to own a pet monkey, or you`re wondering if it`s legal for your neighbor to have that cougar in their yard.
Luckily for your curiosity, every state has exotic animal laws that allow, restrict, or prohibit the ownership of certain animal species. The following article describes some of these state laws in more detail. Not only is their poison extremely strong, but they also have special nutritional needs, they reach huge lengths and are not legal in many places. The ability to legally possess a king cobra is limited in some states and completely prohibited in others. Before you get to heart about inviting this creature into your home, which we don`t recommend, check your state`s laws to see if you need a special permit to own this particular snake or if it`s completely illegal to own it. Keep in mind that crossing state borders to buy a snake in a state where it is allowed to possess it and bring it back to a state where possession is prohibited is still illegal. Most states do not allow king cobras as pets. Even in those that do, city and county laws often prohibit poisonous snakes. In some states, like Florida, you can legally own a king cobra if you have an annual permit. To be approved, you must prove that your snake is safely housed and you must follow state regulations regarding access, handling, inspection, and travel. If you are caught with an illegal cobra, you could be fined and even jailed.
The snake would likely be euthanized. The ability to legally possess a king cobra is restricted in some states and completely prohibited in others. Before you turn your heart to invite this creature into your home, which we don`t recommend, check your state`s laws to see if you need a special permit to own this particular snake or if it`s completely illegal to own it. Keep in mind that crossing state borders to buy a snake in a state where it is allowed to possess it and sending it back to a state where possession is prohibited is still illegal. As with most cobras and mambas, the threat indicator of the king cobra includes the spread of the neck flap, raising the head, sniffing and whistling the king cobra. Despite its excellent reputation, the King Cobra avoids confrontation with humans as much as possible. However, if provoked, it is capable of hitting a target at a great distance and far above the ground. Instead of biting and withdrawing, he can maintain his bite and inject a large amount of poison, which is a medical emergency. [4] [5] Adding to the moral of this issue, the illegal pet trade has led to a huge decline in the king cobra population. If you buy one of these snakes, you can buy one that has been stolen from its natural habitat in the wild. Permits are required for the importation of legal pets listed in Section 4-71-6.5 of the Hawaii Bylaws.
These animals are subject to quarantine rules before being legally distributed to their owners. Under section 12 § 7235-A of the MIR, it is legal to possess a wild animal subject to a permit. According to N.J. ADMIN. Code. 7, §25-4.8 and §25-4.9 It is illegal for anyone to possess a dangerous species, wild or not. Examples are coral snakes, cobras and pit vipers. Under CONN. Gene.
STAT. §26-40a and §26-55, it is illegal to possess potentially dangerous animals. However, venomous snakes are not listed in the legal definition of “dangerous animal”. You can apply for a permit to keep one, although it will most likely be refused. If an animal is not prohibited or does not require a permit, it may be kept as a pet. However, no person may own more than 6 animals of any kind and not more than 25 wild animals at a time.