African Rock Python (Python sebae)

Florida lawmakers have introduced bills in both of the legislative houses that seek to ban five snake species and certain reptiles for “personal use.” A hearing on one of the measures, House Bill 709, is set for March 10.

HB 709 and its companion bill, Senate Bill 318, would prohibit a person, firm or corporation from keeping, possessing, importing into the state, selling, bartering, trading or breeding the following species for personal use or for sale for personal use:

• Burmese or Indian python (Python molurus);
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• Reticulated python (Python reticulates);
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• African rock python (Python sebae);
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• Amethystine or scrub python (Morelia amethystinus);
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• Anaconda (Eunectes);
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• Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus); and
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• Any other reptile designated as a “reptile of concern” by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

If approved, the proposed rule would take effect on July 1.

The bills state that if a person holds a permit issued before July 1 to capture, keep, possess, or exhibit any poisonous or venomous reptile or “reptile of concern,” he or she may keep the reptile for the remainder of its life. In addition, any person who owns an anaconda, other than a green anaconda, would be able to apply for a permit by Oct. 1 in order to keep the snake for the remainder of its life.

In a PetAlert released March 9, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) claims an outright ban of these species will drive trade underground.

“As drafted, HB 709 would prohibit existing owners from selling their breeding stock and/or progeny to other states or countries where one may possess these species,” PIJAC stated. “The alternative for owners of the listed species is to incur substantial expenses to maintain the animals for their lifetime, turn them loose or euthanize otherwise healthy animals.”

PIJAC recommends the state adopts a “more sustainable and flexible” regulatory mechanism to handle these species.

A public hearing on HB 709 is scheduled before the House Natural Resources Appropriations Committee on March 10, 3 p.m., at the state Capitol building.

Click here for more information on the proposed bills. <HOME>