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What
the New Law Means to Reptile Owners
No one is quite sure
what the law means in its totality, and we won't until DEC promulgates
its regulations (sometime before the end of June) but here are several
things we do know, and some things we don't:
- People who
owned these animals before January 1, 2005 will be able to apply
for a "grandfather" license. They must have proof they
purchased the animal before January 1, 2005. We don't know if
these licenses will be granted across the board, or what the fee
will be. The law allows DEC to charge up to $170 per animal every
2 years.
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- People will
not be allowed to display these animals, bring them out in public
or teach with them without a reptile educator's license. We don't
know the criteria that will be used to decide who is a bona fide
educator, qualified to hold such a license. We do know a four-hour
course will need to be attended before someone can qualify, but
we don't know who will teach it yet. We don't know how this law
will affect out-of-state presenters who enter the state to put
on an animal presentation.
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- There is
no reason to think that DEC is "out to get" anyone.
The last thing they need on their plate is another law to enforce.
However, police throughout the state will be required to enforce
the law if a complaint is filed. This will most likely happen
as a result of a bite, a domestic dispute or a flagrant violation.
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