Western Hognose prohibited ?

[Kid Boa]

Good afternoon.

I have a friend that is interested in getting a Western Hognose. His by-law states he is not allowed to have and venomous snakes. I see many reptile stores selling Hognose snake and the by-laws in that are state no venomous snakes.

I know that they are rear fanged and the venom is nearly harmless to humans.

Is the Hognose considered a venomous snake for by-law purposes ?

[wrecker45]

I do not think so. I have a pair. I am in ont. but there is no by-laws here.

[erichillkeast]

I'm not sure on whether they are or not, but some bylaws (for instance Ottawa) prohibit "Duvernoy-glanded members of the family Colubridae". From what I have read, this includes Hognose as they posses a Duvernoy gland. Is there any mention of this in your friends by-law?

[Kid Boa]

I'm not sure on whether they are or not, but some bylaws (for instance Ottawa) prohibit "Duvernoy-glanded members of the family Colubridae". From what I have read, this includes Hognose as they posses a Duvernoy gland. Is there any mention of this in your friends by-law?

Nope, didn't see that anywhere, here is what it says.

IN THE CASE OF REPTILIA.

1) Rhynochcephalia (Tuatara)
2) Crocodilia (alligators, crocodiles & gharials)
3) Helodermatidae.
4) The following families in the order Ophidia (snakes)
A) Elapidae (Example. cobra, mamba & krait)
B) Hydrophidea (Sea snakes)
C) Viperidae (Old world vipers)
D) Crotalidae (Pit vipers)
E) Boidae (Boas & Pythons)

[Hannibalcanibal]

I'm not sure on whether they are or not, but some bylaws (for instance Ottawa) prohibit "Duvernoy-glanded members of the family Colubridae". From what I have read, this includes Hognose as they posses a Duvernoy gland. Is there any mention of this in your friends by-law?

Yeah, i've never heard of that, either... care to link a source? I'd be glad to know what areas have this law...

[erichillkeast]

Yeah, i've never heard of that, either... care to link a source? I'd be glad to know what areas have this law...

Here (http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/laws-licenses-and-permits/laws/respecting-animal-care-and-control-law-no-2003-77) is the link to the Ottawa Bylaw, and the following is what I'm referencing:

11 Reptiles (Reptilia)
(a) all Helodermatidae (gila monster and Mexican bearded lizard);
(b) all front-fanged venomous snakes, even if devenomized, including, but not limited to,
(i) all Viperidae (viper, pit viper),
(ii) all Elapidae (cobra, mamba, krait, coral snake),
(iii) all Atractaspididae (African burrowing asp),
(iv) all Hydrophiidae (sea snake), and
(v) all Laticaudidae (sea krait).
(c) all venomous, mid- or rear-fanged, Duvernoy-glanded members of the family Colubridae, even if de-venomized,

[Kid Boa]

Here (http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/laws-licenses-and-permits/laws/respecting-animal-care-and-control-law-no-2003-77) is the link to the Ottawa Bylaw, and the following is what I'm referencing:

So In guess this means my friend can get one legally. :) Thanks guys.

[nothsa]

Some city bylaws are vague at best. I once asked a animal control person and was told the following:

Snakes in my city are illegal to own if they meet any of the 2 following criteria;

1)classified as venomous as per approved literature.
2)exceed a length of 2 feet or more.

So all of my harmless snakes are illegal. These bylaws are all based on ignorance and fear of the unfamiliar and need to change. A German Shepard is going to do a heck of a lot more damage than my 3 foot corn snake, yet my corn is illegal and my friends dog is not....Crazy!

[SnakeyJay]

Some city bylaws are vague at best. I once asked a animal control person and was told the following:

Snakes in my city are illegal to own if they meet any of the 2 following criteria;

1)classified as venomous as per approved literature.
2)exceed a length of 2 feet or more.

So all of my harmless snakes are illegal. These bylaws are all based on ignorance and fear of the unfamiliar and need to change. A German Shepard is going to do a heck of a lot more damage than my 3 foot corn snake, yet my corn is illegal and my friends dog is not....Crazy!

So rather than follow the law you chose to break it?! That just brings harder restriction down...

[shaunyboy]

they are NOT classed as hots over here in the U.K. mate

cheers shaun

[SnakeyJay]

Bit if a harsh comment before, I meant it but I could have worded it better really... I apologise.. :)

[nothsa]

No need to worry about wording my friend, no offence taken. Am I "breaking" the law, maybe, although not intentionally as I found out after the fact while having a discussion with animal care and control in my city.

And while all this has nothing to do with the original question posted, it's these silly laws that myself and others I know question the validity of. When I asked my local MP and animal care and control about this law and it's enforcement, I felt better knowing no one was going to barge in and remove them. But still questioned as to why pet stores in my city can sell them, yet I can't own them....no response other than a Hmmmm...good question.

So yes, I may be breaking the law, but there needs to be some continuity in regards to it as well.

John