Austin Reptile Expo

[cdeer1]

Has anyone been to the Expo in Austin? I was invited to be a vendor for August show

[snakebitten69]

lol well be there! houston has the biggest show around here i will dig up the info for ya!

[snakebitten69]

http://www.eths.org/html/expo2005.htm

[RioBravoReptiles]

Originally Posted by snakebitten69

lol well be there! houston has the biggest show around here i will dig up the info for ya!

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WHOA! yes, Houston has (or had) a good show.. what a lot of people don't know (and won't tell) is that the possession and/or sale of Boas, Pythons and many other exotic reptiles and other pets is against the law in Houston. $2000.00 fine per day, per count.
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I supported that show from day one.. had to stop participating a few years ago when that nonsense started.. I hear some people are skating by but I inquired of the City when this started and they said 'absolutely you will be arrested and charged if we see you and your animals inside the Houston city limits'.. since I go to shows with 100 boas or more.. this is serious stuff! You have to have an expensive permit to ship one through Houston, according to the regs! Their city rules are available on-line.
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BTW.. I did the Austin show years ago (not sure it was the same people), I liked it. But it was a low-dollar, sparsely-attended show. I'd like to know if that has changed.
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Gus.

[snakebitten69]

wow did not know that! how can the pet stores out here sale them?

[RioBravoReptiles]

Originally Posted by snakebitten69

wow did not know that! how can the pet stores out here sale them?

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I suggest you do visit the Houston City ordinances page and look it up.. or call the City Attorney or the Health Dept and ask! It is a no-joke, prohibition of any snake that is over 8' or has the potential to grow 8' or more.. technically that rules out BPs (the record is over 8'), even many Pituophis and Coachwhip snakes! Spilotes, Texas rats?.. crocodilians, many lizards even Guinea-fowl are illegal. $2000.00 fine per day per count.
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You have to purchase a special permit (and meet their rules) just to display a restricted animal and the permit is only good for the issuing period and the place specified... They aren't joking around. If you belong to the ETHS you might ask them how such a law could be passed on their watch and nothing was done, members weren't warned and no opposition or compromise to these regs was offered.
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As far as a Pet shop that may have restricted animals.. 1st be sure it is in the City of Houston, not one of the 'burbs.. (actually, knowingly selling a restricted animal to be taken to Houston is also restricted, but I doubt that is enforceable).. Next explanation why they may have restricted wildlife for sale.. the City hasn't gotten around to enforcing the rule there yet.. when they do you had best hope you paid cash for your baby retic.. they'll seize the Pet shop's sales records and go as far with that as they want...
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The Animal Cops are needed, I guess.. but without people from our side of the subject (responsible keepers) giving input about animal laws they get powers and regs that are more than a free democratic society should allow. Don't laugh this off.. you may be right that the chances of a Houston dog-catcher showing up at your house wanting your animals is slim.. but if Fire/Rescue has to come, Cops for any disturbance or reason. CPS, Truant officer..bang.. you are busted and the pain never ends.
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My rant for today.. Gus.

[VoodooChile]

That sucks!!!

[cdeer1]

muchos gracias!

[snakebitten69]

yea thanks gus! that was good info! i will ask around @ the next eths meeting. see why no one has tryed to fight this!

the more i sit her and think there is a ton of pet stores that i have been to that sell big snakes and inside the city! and kelly want to take the big snake out for pics! lol i told her no way people around her will flip a lid! lol