Indiana Bill prefiled for 2011

DIGEST OF INTRODUCED BILL
Exotic animals. Makes it a Class C misdemeanor to release an exotic or wild animal into the wild without legal authorization or a permit issued by the department of natural resources (department), and provides that the fine for unlawfully releasing an exotic or wild animal is at least $500 and not more than $2,500. Requires a person in the business of selling exotic reptiles to obtain a permit from the department, and makes it a Class C misdemeanor to sell an exotic reptile without a permit. Requires a person not in the business of selling exotic reptiles to notify the department before selling an exotic reptile, and makes the failure to notify the department a Class C infraction.

http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/b...=SB&docno=0280

Sounds like another attempt to keep people from buying reptiles. I notice they do not mention mammal's or birds in that little bill... Also they make it impossible to give away a reptile without committing a Class C infraction "A person in the business of selling exotic reptiles who knowingly or intentionally sells, barters, trades, or in any other way transfers possession of an exotic reptile without a permit issued by the department in accordance with this section commits a Class C misdemeanor."

The first part of the amendment, releasing exotic or wild animal has some merit. No one should be releasing exotics into the wild, the bill pretty much covers everything not native (or extirpated) to Indiana. I guess it's Ok to release feral cats and dogs, maybe that's covered someplace else.

The second part stinks, covers reptiles only and you can't even give a reptile away without violating this law. The non-business process of notifying "the department" of a reptile transfer is a little vague and will be cleared up in IC 4-22-2, right.

On the plus side, only $50/year for a business permit; could be worse think $50 per animal or $a-lot-of-money/year for the permit.

I'm guessing one needs to read the entire section on controlling exotics to get the overall picture of what's changing. Someone in Indiana needs to start an email/fax/letter campaign to change this amendment into something useful and acceptable to reptile owners or maybe just stop it altogether.

I'm next door in Ohio and if this passes in Indiana our crack elected state officials might think it's a good idea.