Delaware laws

[ineedsoap16]

I cannot find anywhere on the De State website laws concerning the keeping of hot herps as far legality and licensing. I am looking in regards to keeping an indigenous species, the copperhead. Does anyone know where I can find this info?

[Aaron_S]

Just call your local fish and wildlife. They would be best to talk to I think. I remember talking to some people who kept venomous snakes in the states and they said it also differs based on the county you live in.

[Mud]

Try Hunter Serpentology / T.C.R.S. (http://www.cobraman.net) He usually keeps up to date on venomous laws by state. Hope that helped! Mike

[Smilts]

usually even local walmarts where you can get hunting and fishing license's will probably have a pamplet on non game laws and restrictions

[Kmef07]

here is what i found after a little digging at Division of Fish & Wildlife Portal (http://www.fw.delaware.gov)

7201. Possession; permit required.

No person shall bring into this State, possess, sell or exhibit any live wild mammal or hybrid of a wild mammal or live reptile not native to or generally found in Delaware without first securing a permit under this chapter. The Department of Agriculture may adopt regulations to exempt such mammals and reptiles that do not represent a significant threat to community interests from the provisions of this chapter. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, except for medical or psychological research or for display in any licensed zoological park or traveling circus, no person shall bring into this State, possess, sell or exhibit any poisonous snake not native to or generally found in Delaware where the venom of such snake poses a risk of serious injury or death to a human, and no permit for the same shall be issued by the Department of Agriculture. (3 Del. C. 1953, § 7201; 57 Del. Laws, c. 553; 69 Del. Laws, c. 84, § 1; 72 Del. Laws, c. 285, § 1.)

§ 7202. Permit; rules and regulations; exemptions.

The Department of Agriculture shall enforce this chapter and may issue a permit where the possession or exhibition of a live wild mammal or hybrid of a wild mammal or live reptile will be in the public interest, and may promulgate rules and regulations for the proper enforcement of this chapter. The Department may designate agencies authorized to conduct animal cruelty enforcement and/or dog control enforcement to enforce the provisions of this chapter. The Department shall receive a fee of $25 for each and every permit issued. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to prevent the use of any live wild mammal or hybrid of a wild mammal or live reptile in medical or psychological research or for display in any municipal zoological park or traveling circus after issuance of a permit. (3 Del. C. 1953, § 7202; 57 Del. Laws, c. 553; 67 Del. Laws, c. 260, § 1; 67 Del. Laws, c. 277, § 1; 69 Del. Laws, c. 84, § 1.)

§ 7203. Penalties.

Whoever violates this chapter shall for each offense be fined not more than $500, imprisoned not more than 30 days, or both. Justices of the peace shall have jurisdiction over offenses under this chapter. (3 Del. C. 1953, § 7203; 57 Del. Laws, c. 553.)


I dont think it says anything about having a poisioness snake that is native to delaware. and the copperhead is native but the website does have contact info.

[Chu'Wuti]

Just a small note, Kmef07--technically, they're venomous, not poisonous.

[Aaron_S]

Just a small note, Kmef07--technically, they're venomous, not poisonous.

Yes but he didn't write that, the department did. So techincally you'd get away with keeping any venomous snakes on a very serious technicality.

[Smilts]

a nice fat loop hole

[Chu'Wuti]

Hah. I didn't catch the word the first time it was used, which is in the quoted DE state material. Sorry, Kmef07; of course you would use the term DE used.

I don't think I would try using that as a loophole, myself, though! ;)

[siz]

Hahaha, yeah, I'm sure the department wouldn't care about that little "technicality".

[Aaron_S]

A judge might ;)

[Kmef07]

the judge would take that opportunity to probably amend the way it is written and you would probably get away with a slap on the wrist, but i still would not try it. call the department and maybe as long as it is a local species they will issue a permit. based on the way it is written they will give permits for local species you just can't bring in any poisioness (venomous) that are not found in delaware naturally

[Smilts]

Actually a good lawyer could probably win the case. Cases have been won and lost on less. But no doubt it would be ammended there after. Also who wants to pay a good lawyer!?

[siz]

A judge might ;)

I meant to put :rolleyes: at the end of that, hahah.

[Aaron_S]

A judge can't amend a law right there in front of you. A lot of people would be behind bars now if they could.

I agree with Coy in this. Although you might want to a pay a good lawyer if it depends on going to prison or not.

[Smilts]

Yea prison or money isnt a choice pay the lawyer lol.

[dexter 1988]

Just call your local fish and wildlife. They would be best to talk to I think. I remember talking to some people who kept venomous snakes in the states and they said it also differs based on the county you live in.


whats the law in canada with venomous snakes:yes:

[Aaron_S]

In my area it's any venomous/poisonous animal is not allowed. Actually there's a size restriction as well. No lizards over 2 meters as well as no snakes over 3.