New Ky Herp Laws

This regulation was passed on June 30th by emergency order. There has been no public comment period as of yet, but it is still enforceable. This regulation is entitled Transportation and holding of native wildlife. Under necessity it is stated, "that it is needed to control the indiscriminate possession of wildlife and to insure it is humanely and properly cared for; to protect the public welfare and native wildlife from wildlife-borne diseases; and to prevent the introduction of native wildlife that might be detrimental to native fauna and flora" This regulation includes herps.

Here is a brief synapses.
1. All regulation is to the specific level. i.e all kingsnakes, milksnakes, ratsnakes, etc. that share a species level. In the regulation this is stated as "native wildlife". After repeatedly asking to what level, I was informed it would be to the species level. You will need a permit to sell California kingsnakes or possess more than 5 of any species found in KY, even if the subspecies is not.
2. Commercial permit $100
3. Non-commercial permit $75/3year allows up to 5 of each species
4. $25 individual shipment or $250 annual for unlimited shipments of wildlife entering the state. To receive a transportation permit you must provide a letter from your municipality saying there are no restrictions against having the animal.
5. All animals to be vet-checked disease free (attached to permit)
6. No grandfather clause. You need a permit for any animals you already have, no matter the source, if native "species"
7. Three "exempt" color phases where a permit is not needed. Albinistic, leucistic, xanthic. Nothing about other color morphs or patterns.
8. Must have records of all animals you have such as receipt, bill of sale, common and scientific name, birth dates, date of transactions with details of who what when where, including sellers permit number.
9. All info available to CO for inspection at any "reasonable" time.


There you have it. If any of you in other states have had similar laws or parts of laws applies and repealed for some reason, I would love to hear the details. Here is the link to the law.

KY LAW LINK BradP

3. You may keep up to 5 of each native species without a permit. Anything over the limit of 5 of any species native to KY, you would need the $75/3yr permit. Too much typing tonight, sorry for the mistake.