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Questions about "rehoming"
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by mtolypetsupply on September 23, 2008
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Hi, all! I've been lurking for a little while, and really enjoy reading and learning about your passions. I respect the opinions and information available here, and was pleased to read the impromptu "resumes" posted on the "I'm new here" thread. It gives me hope that you all can help me.
First, let me say that while I love snakes, I am not a "hot" keeper. I own an internet business that is pet-related. The reason I am posting is that I have already gotten a few emails (and a phone call from a friend of a friend) asking if I can help them "rehome" their *illegal* pets.
Since there are so many zookeepers, educators, researchers, and other professionals on here, can anyone advise me as to what to advise them? In each case, the owner expressed that they would like to turn their alligator, or rattlesnake, or monkey or whatever in to a proper place, but were afraid of legal repercussions. They did not just want to turn the animal out into the wild to die, or wreak havoc on the countryside. They would all like to do the "right thing" but were afraid that their good deed would be punished.
Has anyone had any experience with this? I'd love to help them get in touch with the right programs/authorities/etc. If anyone can point me in the right direction, I'd be very grateful.
Thanks,
Stephi
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RE: Questions about "rehoming"
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by Rob_Carmichael on September 23, 2008
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Stephi, we get these calls quite frequently. When we get wind of these situations, or, if someone calls us explaining their situation, as long as they are compliant in turning over their illegal animals, we don't "turn them in". Some folks unknowingly and with good intentions get themselves into situations that in hindsight, end up being big mistakes. Law enforcement would probably agree - they are going after the folks who are repeat offenders and those who constantly break the law. We would rather see someone turn in an animal than let it go. With that being said, in our case, we don't take any unwanted pet off the street (legal or illegal). We typically work with local, state and federal officials. But, for those few occasions where something like this pops up, we will intervene. Hope that clarifies things a bit.
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
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RE: Questions about "rehoming"
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by pictigaster1 on September 23, 2008
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My suggestion is for them to turn them selves in.Dont do the crime if you cant do the time. So sick of all of this kind of crap . This is not the site to save there a** .This is a site for education, to pool and gather knowledge .Also for members to sell or trade or even give away legal LET ME REPEAT LEGAL ANIMALS.Just my 2 cents. ARCHIE BOTTOMS
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RE: Questions about "rehoming"
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by mtolypetsupply on September 23, 2008
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Thanks for the fast response, Rob. :)
Yes, it does clarify things somewhat, but I need a little more info. Exactly to whom should I refer them? To their local animal control? State Fish & Game or comparable agency? What would be the most preferred referral?
Thanks again for the help.
Stephi
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RE: Questions about "rehoming"
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by pictigaster1 on September 23, 2008
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Sorry we all make mistakes but these mistakes are distroying our hobby all over right now. I know you mean well but why should these people have no conseqince.My SPELLING SUCKS I SHOULD BE ARESTED.LOL
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RE: Questions about "rehoming"
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by pictigaster1 on September 23, 2008
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Lets say joe blo goes to arizona and picks up a couple of gilas. He gets tired of them and gives them to me in texas I have broke several state and fedral laws even if I think that they are legal. He tells some one who tells some one and I am in jail for being a nice guy and takeing the animals off his hands .Even a institute like Robs is guilty of a crime for.recieving a ileagle animal with out reporting it.
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RE: Questions about "rehoming"
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by mtolypetsupply on September 23, 2008
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I've seen the whole "legal vs. illegal" issue come up on other threads, and I'm sorry if I started this back up with this thread. That's why I lurked a little, and tried to ask my question thoughtfully, so as not to spark this debate again. Again, I apologize for touching on such a sensitive subject. I understand that it affects a passion which the posters hold dear, and I do not wish to do anything to work against your love.
I am thankful for people like Rob, who offered some great information. If anyone else has anything to add, for example, specific agencies or paths of referral, I'd be grateful for the information.
People exhibit poor judgement all the time. If and when they do finally come to their senses, I'd like to have the right answers if/when they approach me.
This site is obviously well done, and well promoted for a "not-hot" like me to have found it. If I may be so bold, perhaps the site owners can post "turn in procedures/recommendations" as a static page on the site, so that others who are looking for this information may find it without bothering anyone.
Thank you all for your time. If anyone has further info, I'd appreciate it, and (I haven't checked if this site works this way) feel free to message me directly, if preferred and possible.
Stephi
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RE: Questions about "rehoming"
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by Buzztail1 on September 24, 2008
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Stephi,
Your question is valid.
Rob gives good advice.
Bear in mind that there is a huge difference between having an animal that is illegal due to local ordinance and having an animal that is legally protected.
Also, what works for Rob in one state, may not be feasable in another.
That said, I know that Florida (for instance), would rather you turn in your Burmese Python without consequences than see it show up in the Everglades!
Why don't you contact your local Fish and Game authorities and ask them how they would like to see it work? As long as you, personally, aren't keeping anything illegal, they may help you out.
In the grand scheme of things, the confiscating authorities in most states have developed a separate relationship with someone who takes care of the animals that they confiscate. If you know who that is, they may be able to help you with information about amnesty turn ins.
Good luck,
Karl
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RE: Questions about "rehoming"
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by roadkruzer on September 24, 2008
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Stephi, If I can ever be of any assistance in rehoming an animal let me know. I am located in Georgia. Quite a ways from you I know. The last out of state animal I took in was an alligator from Pennsylvania. This was done in cooperation with government officials as is all of our animals that require licensing. Rob explained everything nicely and our practices are very similar to his so, I won't repeat everything he said. I also understand Archie's viewpoint though because I spend a lot of money to stay legal. Why should everyone else not have to. I do what I do for the animals and the environment, not neccessarily for the people that possess them. Any time someone calls me with an "anonymous" donation, I notify the Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources and just let them know that this animal may be dropped off to me anonymously. If DNR says for me not to take it, then I don't take it.
Possession of certain species of reptiles are prohibited in Georgia without proper permits.
Georgia residents who possess illegal animals risk heavy fines along with having their animals confiscated as well as possible jail time.
Due to fear of prosecution and other factors, owners of illegal reptiles often dump their animals in neighbors backyards where they many times do not survive.
The animals that do survive wreak havoc on the eco-system.
With prior approval of my licensing agency (GADNR-SPU)we give people who possess illegal reptiles an opportunity to insure that their animal will be properly cared which may in turn help themselves avoid crimninal action from law enforcement officials. Here people often anonymously turn over their reptile with no questions asked instead of releasing it into the wild where it may not belong.
Who benefits from this?
1. The state of Georgia. By turning over your illegal reptiles, the states ecosytem is not negatively effected from exotic animals being released for fear of prosecution.
2. The reptiles. Instead of being dumped in someones backyard and having to face a frigid Georgia winter to which they may not be suited or acclimated to, the reptile is provided with everything it needs to live a long healthy life.
3. You. Georgia citizens are able to turn their illegal reptile over to the staff at Southeastern Reptile Rescue - NO QUESTIONS ASKED!
A person who has an illegal reptile may contact us through our website (SnakesAreUs.com). When turning an illegal reptile over to us, all a person needs to do is inform us of the specific animal that is being surrendered. We will then agree upon a meeting place where the animal can be exchanged. No further information will be required of you!
Illegal animals that are turned over to our custody are held at our facility until proper placement for it is available or it may remain with us permanently to be used in our educational programs.
If someone has an illegal reptile and decides to turn it over to us, this in itself does not insure that they will not face criminal prosecution. Many times the Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources as well as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have ongoing investigations in reguards to the illegal trafficing of animals.
As Karl stated, contacting the authorities in your particular state may be the best route.
I can be reached through my website
www.SnakesAreUs.com
Jason Clark
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