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Mississippi state law issues

St. Louis snake ordinance

Snake ordinance what they want

Residents miffed over Bay council's slowness

By RYAN LaFONTAINE

THE SUN HERALD

BAY ST. LOUIS - Union Street residents say they're disappointed by what they consider the City Council's slow response to a dangerous animal ordinance, first proposed nearly three months ago.

After the escape and four-day disappearance of a neighbor's 17-foot Burmese python, more than 180 people signed petitions hoping the council would take action in October.

City officials said they would research other cities' policies to find a fair solution, but that they needed time to look at other options before adopting an ordinance.

During the meeting on Oct. 19, Ward 4 Councilman Bobby Compretta said, "I think we should have something prepared in about four to six weeks."

This week, city officials said they have completed a final draft of the ordinance. Public hearings on the proposed law will be scheduled when the Council meets on Jan. 18.

Helen Barnes and other chagrined residents, however, wonder whether the city has forgotten their plea for help.

"The city has not once notified us of the progress or tried to keep us up to date," Barnes said. "I feel like we are being ignored and the city is just hoping that we'll forget about it."
 
Seems like the city officials are pretty old school after reading that article.
Even though that is about 3 months old It sounds like they need to get a herp society to educate some folks there.
 
Its seems like these days anything that is written in the regular newspaper needs some major herp help. Sometimes I feel really bad that some people are deathly afraid of snakes. Its really such a pity. I had a neighbor knock on my door and when I answered and had a small Ball Python in my hand they screamed like I was waving something hot in my hands. Poor poeple dont understand. Oh and why is the first question about the snakes "Is it poisonous?" its like cripes people I dont think it would be around my neck if it was poisonous. There needs to be a big convention to help educate the public or more the non herp community
 
I had a similar incident with a neighbor. I had my ball python out in the living room taking pictures of him on a nice piece of driftwood. The doorbell rang. I answered it. It was my neighbor over to borrow something . . . again. She has borrowed steak knives to garden hoses and everything you can imagine inbetween.

Well she saw the snake (large adult male) and about crapped her pants. It was sooo funny. You know, she's never borrowed another thing and that was 3 years ago.

I was talking to her recently and she told me her house was broken into 3 times last year and one time an ATV was stolen. (we live waaay out of town and share a driveway) I said something like I hope nobody breaks into my house. She got this really scared look on her face and said, "No one will break into your house, you have snakes." Like they're running loose. I said yeah and now I have 18 snakes. Okay, sand boas and 2 ATBs, real scary animals, LMAO.

To her and a ton of people out there a snake is a snake and all are gonna "kill you".
 
Really at this point I dont see whats so scary. Even being bitten never scared me away. I credit my father for that, When you grow up around a herpotologist who has reptiles all over your pool area which was quite big you learn to love them dispite getting bitten. And even so getting bitten doesnt hurt that bad. Unless its by an aboreal(sp?) thats a different story. It saddens me to see people deathly afraid of them. I wish people would just go to one local reptile show and see how good these animals really are and the people who make them their hobby.
 
Bay St. Louis to outlaw "dangerous pets"

http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/news/local/10686260.htm

Here is the newest story about Bay St. Louis:

Bay to outlaw dangerous pets

Don't even think of owning a hippo

By RYAN LaFONTAINE

THE SUN HERALD

BAY ST. LOUIS - Residents hope a new ordinance prohibiting owning dangerous animals has plenty of teeth.

This week, city leaders fashioned an ordinance that would regulate owning and transporting certain animals.

The proposed ordinance lists more than 100 different species that would be illegal to own in the city limits, such as hippopotamuses, giraffes, gorillas and reptiles that could potentially grow longer than eight feet.

According to the City Council's 15-page proposal, pet lovers who yearn for more than the traditional dog or cat will have to file for a "personal possession permit" to own an animal listed in the ordinance.

Personal possession applicants must be at least 18 , and have not been convicted of a felony or drug charges.

The ordinance also would make it illegal for owners to take exotic animals to public events, such as parades and festivals.

Unnerved by the escape and four-day disappearance of a neighbor's 17-foot Burmese python, Union Street residents began circulating petitions asking the city for help in October.

Nearly 200 names appeared on petitions and Mayor Eddie Favre said the ordinance would protect residents and the animals.

"None of us considered a need for an ordinance until that incident," Favre said.

Residents will have an opportunity to suggest changes in the ordinance at a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 15 at City Hall.
 
I live only about 25 miles from this town here in Mississippi. I can't even imagine what those "town meetings" are like. The people here in Mississippi here are generally extremely uneducated about reptiles in general. Now they're attempting to "ban" things that they don't understand.

I sure do wish they'd ban stupidity here in Mississippi, but that might mean that the state would be more like a ghost town. :hot:
 
Where would I be able to find info on if it's needed to have permits to have certain reptiles and amphibians in MS? And if you need any permits to capture reptiles and amphibians in MS?
 
You know, that's a doggone good question! I'm in South Mississippi too and don't know of any rules and/or regulations where I live.

Off topic but there is supposed to be an excellent herp vet in the Wiggins area...do you happen to know who he is?
 
MS doesn't have a lot of state laws concerning exotics, however there are some that regulate wildlife capture including when and how many you can take. Here's the fish and wildlife site
http://home.mdwfp.com/

You should also do a search for Public Notice 3201 that I believe went into effect in 2008 and it specifies how many of each species you can take, etc.
You also need to check with the city or county you live in as they have their own ordinances as well, on what you can keep and sell.
Hope that helps.
 
Mississippi's Exotic Animal Laws define what animals are considered "inherently dangerous to humans" as well as which animals are prohibited, what permits are required and what are exceptions to the laws. The laws that
determine these facts are MISS. CODE ANN. §49-8-5 and §49-8-7.

MISS. CODE ANN. §49-8-5 is the Mississippi Exotic Animal Law that defines which animals are to be considered dangerous to human beings. This list of dangerous animals begins with the primates and includes animals such as orangutans, gibbons, chimpanzees, gorillas, siamangs, macaques, drills, mandrills, baboons and the Gelada baboons. Carnivores are next on this list and includes animals such as jackals, wolves, dingos, maned wolves, red dogs, African hunting dogs, bears, wolverines, hyenas, tigers, lions, leopards, jaguars, snow leopards, cheetahs and cougars. Elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses and African buffalos finish up this list of dangerous animals as per the Mississippi Exotic Animal Laws.

Mississippi State Laws Governing Private Possession of Exotic Animals

View Map• MISS. CODE ANN. §49-8-5 - Animals inherently dangerous to humans.

The following wild animals are classed as animals inherently dangerous to humans:

(a) Order Primates:

(i) Family Pongidae (gibbons, orangutan, chimpanzees, siamangs and gorillas) - all species;

(ii) Family Cercopithecidae:

A.Genus Macaca (macaques) - all species;


B.Genus Papio (mandrills, drills and baboons) - all species;


C.Theropithecus Gelada (Gelada baboon);
(b) Order Carnivora:

(i) Family Canidae:

A.Genus Canis (wolves, jackals and dingos; all species, including crosses between wolves and domestic animals);


B.Chrysocyon brachyurus (maned wolf);


C.Cuon alpinus (red dog);


D.Lycaon pictus (African hunting dog);
(ii) Family Ursidae (bears) - all species;

(iii) Family Mustelidae - Gulo gulo (wolverine);

(iv) Family Hyaenidae (hyenas) - all species;

(v) Family Felidae:

A.Genus Leo or Panthera or Neofelis (lions, tigers, jaguars and leopards) - all species;


B.Unica unica (snow leopard);


C.Acinonyx jubatus (cheetah);


D.Felis concolor (cougar) - all subspecies;
(c) Order Proboscidae: Family Elephantidae (elephants) - all species;

(d) Order Perissodactyla: Family Rhinocerotidae (rhinoceroses) - all species;

(e) Order Artiodactyla:

(i) Family Hippopotamidae - Hippopotamus amphibius (hippopotamus);

(ii) Family Bovidae: Syncerus caffer (African buffalo).


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• MISS. CODE ANN. §49-8-7 - Possession of wild animals prohibited; permit required; exemptions.

(1)(a) It is unlawful for a person to import, transfer, sell, purchase or possess any wild animal classified inherently dangerous by law or regulation unless that person holds a permit under paragraph (b) or is exempted under paragraph (c).

(b)(i) Any person who possesses a wild animal on May 1, 1997, may receive a fee-exempt temporary permit for that animal if the person applies by July 1, 1997. The temporary permit shall be valid until such time as the department notifies the person of the adoption of the regulations for wild animals and of the date the person must apply for an annual permit. After notification, the person shall apply for an annual permit.

(ii) A person must obtain a permit before that person takes possession of a wild animal. The applicant must comply with all the requirements of this chapter and the regulations promulgated by the commission to obtain the permit. Prior to the issuance of a permit, the applicant must provide proof of liability insurance in the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) for each wild animal up to a maximum of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00). An applicant shall have the burden of proving that any wild animals subject to this chapter are or will be imported, transferred, sold, purchased or possessed in compliance with this chapter and regulations.

(c) Public zoos, university research facilities, governmental agencies, transient circuses and rehabilitation and sanctuary facilities may be exempted from having a permit if the exemption is approved by the commission.

(d) Any permit issued under this chapter shall be valid for one (1) year and only for the species specified. A permit is required for each wild animal possessed. A permit for a female wild animal shall cover her progeny only while her progeny are physically dependant upon her or until her progeny are three (3) months old, whichever period is longer.

(2)(a) It is unlawful for any person to sell, transfer, deliver or give a wild animal classified as inherently dangerous to any other person unless the other person holds a permit for the wild animal or is exempt from holding a permit.

(b) Owners of unpermitted wild animals who do not qualify for a permit to possess the wild animal shall dispose of the wild animal according to law or regulation within thirty (30) days of notification by the department. Each day of possession of the unpermitted wild animal after the thirty-day period constitutes a separate violation.

Mississippi State Laws Governing Private Possession of Exotic Animals

View Map• MISS. CODE ANN. §49-8-5 - Animals inherently dangerous to humans.

The following wild animals are classed as animals inherently dangerous to humans:

(a) Order Primates:

(i) Family Pongidae (gibbons, orangutan, chimpanzees, siamangs and gorillas) - all species;

(ii) Family Cercopithecidae:

A.Genus Macaca (macaques) - all species;


B.Genus Papio (mandrills, drills and baboons) - all species;


C.Theropithecus Gelada (Gelada baboon);
(b) Order Carnivora:

(i) Family Canidae:

A.Genus Canis (wolves, jackals and dingos; all species, including crosses between wolves and domestic animals);


B.Chrysocyon brachyurus (maned wolf);


C.Cuon alpinus (red dog);


D.Lycaon pictus (African hunting dog);
(ii) Family Ursidae (bears) - all species;

(iii) Family Mustelidae - Gulo gulo (wolverine);

(iv) Family Hyaenidae (hyenas) - all species;

(v) Family Felidae:

A.Genus Leo or Panthera or Neofelis (lions, tigers, jaguars and leopards) - all species;


B.Unica unica (snow leopard);


C.Acinonyx jubatus (cheetah);


D.Felis concolor (cougar) - all subspecies;
(c) Order Proboscidae: Family Elephantidae (elephants) - all species;

(d) Order Perissodactyla: Family Rhinocerotidae (rhinoceroses) - all species;

(e) Order Artiodactyla:

(i) Family Hippopotamidae - Hippopotamus amphibius (hippopotamus);

(ii) Family Bovidae: Syncerus caffer (African buffalo).


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• MISS. CODE ANN. §49-8-7 - Possession of wild animals prohibited; permit required; exemptions.

(1)(a) It is unlawful for a person to import, transfer, sell, purchase or possess any wild animal classified inherently dangerous by law or regulation unless that person holds a permit under paragraph (b) or is exempted under paragraph (c).

(b)(i) Any person who possesses a wild animal on May 1, 1997, may receive a fee-exempt temporary permit for that animal if the person applies by July 1, 1997. The temporary permit shall be valid until such time as the department notifies the person of the adoption of the regulations for wild animals and of the date the person must apply for an annual permit. After notification, the person shall apply for an annual permit.

(ii) A person must obtain a permit before that person takes possession of a wild animal. The applicant must comply with all the requirements of this chapter and the regulations promulgated by the commission to obtain the permit. Prior to the issuance of a permit, the applicant must provide proof of liability insurance in the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) for each wild animal up to a maximum of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00). An applicant shall have the burden of proving that any wild animals subject to this chapter are or will be imported, transferred, sold, purchased or possessed in compliance with this chapter and regulations.

(c) Public zoos, university research facilities, governmental agencies, transient circuses and rehabilitation and sanctuary facilities may be exempted from having a permit if the exemption is approved by the commission.

(d) Any permit issued under this chapter shall be valid for one (1) year and only for the species specified. A permit is required for each wild animal possessed. A permit for a female wild animal shall cover her progeny only while her progeny are physically dependant upon her or until her progeny are three (3) months old, whichever period is longer.

(2)(a) It is unlawful for any person to sell, transfer, deliver or give a wild animal classified as inherently dangerous to any other person unless the other person holds a permit for the wild animal or is exempt from holding a permit.

(b) Owners of unpermitted wild animals who do not qualify for a permit to possess the wild animal shall dispose of the wild animal according to law or regulation within thirty (30) days of notification by the department. Each day of possession of the unpermitted wild animal after the thirty-day period constitutes a separate violation.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also see:

•State Law Index
•Color-coded map of laws governing private possession of exotic animals.
•Summary of laws relating to the keeping of wild and exotic animals as "pets."
•A partial summary of which cities and counties have prohibited the keeping of these animals.


Whew! I'm Googled out and still, no mention of snakes!
 
Domesticated?

Good luck trying to convience a politician of that one. If we could get snakes domesticated... we wouldnt be fighting as many battles... kinda like there's not alot of new bills to keep you from owning and breeding fluffys (ie cats and dogs)
 
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