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Sen. Constantine: Only 10 percent of exotic pet owners obey the law
9/8/2009 9:48:32 AM
A move is under way to strengthen laws that govern buying, selling and possession of exotic animals and it will begin with an attempt to limit sales over the Internet, state legislators and wildlife officials said this morning.
State Sen. Lee Constantine said there is a good law in place, requiring permits and registration, but studies show only 10 percent of exotic animal owners obey it. "We believe it is a good law," he said.
Changes will include enhancing penalties for repeat offenses, officials said. A first-time offense is a misdemeanor with a relatively small fine, but repeat offenders could face prison time and see the fine grow to as much as $10,000.
Ken Wright, a commissioner with the Florida and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said the goal is compliance so that owners of the animals don't release them into the wild. The licensing fee will remain at $100, so as not to become a burden for owners, he said.
An amnesty day will be held around the state Oct. 3. Locally, it will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gatorland, between Orlando and Kissimmee. Any exotic animal can be surrendered, no questions asked, commission spokeswoman Joy Hill said.
Officials have identified six species of interest, strictly because of the size to which they grow. They are Burmese, African rock, scrub and reticulated pythons, the green anaconda and the Nile monitor lizard.
Hunters this fall will be encouraged to kill any of these reptiles they encounter, Wright said. But any citizen can kill them without fear or repercussion, he said.
The commission will hold a two-day meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday and one of the first items to be discussed will be this issue, Wright said. The public is invited to attend and discuss the issue, he said.
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