I'm so freaked!

[jessesgirl]

I know I never post, but I need to get this out of my system, and only Herpers understand.
Yesterday, I had reason for the police to come to my house. The Chief himself walks in, and the first thing out of his mouth was to ask if I had a permit. I obviously said no, as I had no clue what he was talking about until he pointed at my boa. It seems I could have been cited right then, while not even knowing I need a permit! He didn't give me one, (a citation) but I had to get a copy of the ordinance on exotics, and comply immediately. To do this, I must get $250,000. liability insurance, call the Zoning Inspecter to have my cages checked, and pay for the permit whether they pass inspection or not. The biggest problem? Some of my snakes are still in tanks, and to pass inspection, I have to have padlocks that are key opening only. The Ord. also says you can only take them out to go to the vet, but that's easy to get around. This couldn't have happened at a worse time, as cash is at a bare minimum, with little hope for extra to build cages. I'm lost, wanting to keep crying, and needed to tell you all; check into where you live. The stress of this is just crazy.

[Darren179]

that really sucks did somebody rat you out?

[jessesgirl]

No, nothing like that. My drunk neighbor was being stupid, go figure, and he wanted a statement from us about her behaviour. Who knew? This rots.

[Cruciform]

Start going to city council meetings. Bring information on your critters and when given the chance explain. Compare them to animals that would be familiar to the lawmakers.

There's a saying "Ignorance of the law is no excuse.".

Fight them by saying "Ignorance is no excuse for law."

Good luck

[jessesgirl]

Thanks, Cruciform, it's a good idea for later, but won't help me now. It's funny tho, on the exotic list were Pirrahana, also. Now how do they expect you to padlock a fish tank full of fish? As far as they know, I have Pacu. They look sooo much alike.

[mykee]

That's one reason of many for the importance of knowing what your cities bylaws are regarding exotics. And if that fails, knowing how to 'properly display' your reptiles so that people just walking in your door cannot see them.

[snakelet]

Wow, that really sucks. Although it's too late for you, some advice for anyone else out there is to not have any "illegal" snakes in the view of your front door or window. Obviously you didn't know you needed a permit, but if the cop had come in and not seen the animals, it wouldn't be a problem. FYI, they are not allowed to come in your house if you decline (though if they hear/see anything suspicious while standing at your front door, it's fair game), unless they have a warrant for something I suppose. As a disclaimer, I am not a lawer... just have a lot of friends who like doing illegal things, lol

Leanne

[jessesgirl]

I guess the whole point to my ramble besides "poor me", was to tell people to find out the laws. Ask specifically about constrictor snakes, and make sure you see a copy of the laws because when asked once before, the office girls said there was a law, but it was for lions and tigers and bears. NOT snakes. Not fish, either.
I probably would have ignored the cop at the door, but I have a teenager, and my boyfriend had left for a fire a bit before. I panicked. Too, I'm probably the most paraniod chick in Ohio.

[sketchy4]

what part of Ohio are you in? im also from the state. some laws are just stupid.

[jessesgirl]

Lodi, in Medina County. Roughly 40 mins. southeast of Cleveland, I believe. Direction isn't my strong point. Where abouts is Carlisle? I'm sure it's just a blanket list of "mean" animals, since they even included Hippo's (there goes my next pet!), but it is still lame.

[sketchy4]

Carlisle is right between Cincinnatti and Dayton. just a small city.

[sapphire_moon]

How about getting rubbermaids with lips, drilling holes in the side, and putting pad locks on them? Those are pad locked cages? Right?

That sucks, I am so sorry.