British Columbians: Experience with "Restricted" Snake permits?

Cam · 04-23-12, 01:58 AM

So, the BC government classifies controlled species into two categories:

"Prohibited" Which is a misnomer because it seems from what I've read that you can own one with a permit, as long as it was either here before 2009 or you apply for a permit before bringing it into the province.

"Restricted" Which you can own, breed, buy, sell, whatever with no restrictions unless the animal in question happens to grow to 3m (9.8 feet), at which point you need to apply for a permit.

Both snakes I'm considering owning fall into the "Restricted" category (Boa Constrictor and Carpet Python) and both have a chance of reaching the 3m threshold. I looked at the permit application and so on, and there's nothing on there I don't think I could satisfy, but I wonder just how painful they make the process. If all your T's are crossed and all your I's are dotted, is it a slam dunk, or do they give you a hard time about it? I'm thinking that since they allow breeding, selling, and possession of these species that fairly regularly exceed the 3m mark then they must be granting permits to keep the animals - either that or seizing and destroying a lot of animals.

Anyone have experience they can share here?

Snakefood · 04-23-12, 08:22 AM

I don't know personally, but could ask a couple friends who keep boa's and carpets for you.

Why are you asking about BC's regulations?? are you moving here????

Trent · 04-23-12, 07:00 PM

As for the restricted species you do not need the permit until they go over the 3 meter mark.
After that you apply for the permint and you must prove that it is housed in a escape proof tank.Double locks etc.
Also they will ask about what you will do if it escapes...evac plan so to speak.

DavethePython · 04-23-12, 07:22 PM

He is asking because he already lives here . He has Fort St. John listed as his home.And that is in BC . Cam I would think it would be fairly simple for you . I am not far away in Prince George. If my Pythons escaped ,they would be lucky to survive a month. If the cold nights did not get them , the large predators here would. there are very few predators here that my snakes could hurt. There is about a 0 chance my snakes could hurt anyone/anything or become invasive unless Pythons suddenly adapt to extreme cold. Worst case they would survive the summer in the wild.which in this region is June and July if we are really lucky.

Freebody · 04-23-12, 08:39 PM

dont need them for most boas or carpets, untill they get over 9 feet, then you would have to notify. as for getting a permit for banned species, ie retics, burms, rockpython... im told they wont do it, unless your taking in a rescue and both sides work with them, or you can Prove you purchased said animal before the law change in april 2009 i think it was. gl

Cam · 04-23-12, 11:46 PM

Yeah as mentioned above I'm already in BC.

I understand that you don't need a permit until the snake reaches the 9.8 foot mark, which is unlikely for a carpet, slightly more likely for the argentine boa girl that I've got a crush on. I just wasn't sure how sticky they would be on the matter - if I can demonstrate the animal is housed appropriately and I have a plan etc. is it just like "No Problem" or is it more of a tooth pulling exercise to get permission to keep the snake? I'd like to be sure before I get such an animal, as I can't imagine it would be a fun experience having the gov't tell me I couldn't keep it any longer after raising it from a juvie to 10+feet.

Trent · 04-24-12, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cam

Yeah as mentioned above I'm already in BC.

I understand that you don't need a permit until the snake reaches the 9.8 foot mark, which is unlikely for a carpet, slightly more likely for the argentine boa girl that I've got a crush on. I just wasn't sure how sticky they would be on the matter - if I can demonstrate the animal is housed appropriately and I have a plan etc. is it just like "No Problem" or is it more of a tooth pulling exercise to get permission to keep the snake? I'd like to be sure before I get such an animal, as I can't imagine it would be a fun experience having the gov't tell me I couldn't keep it any longer after raising it from a juvie to 10+feet.

I would not worry about your argentine going over 10+ feet,but to answer your question..if you answer all their questions and prove with pics that the snake is not going to escape.You ''should'' have no problems,It does take about three to four weeks to get a decision from them.

Cam · 04-25-12, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trent

I would not worry about your argentine going over 10+ feet

Ok well I understand that above 10 feet is sort of the upper end of specimen size; I guess at the end of the day I feel that it would be irresponsible to get involved with the species if I was not prepared to deal with the eventuality.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trent

but to answer your question..if you answer all their questions and prove with pics that the snake is not going to escape.You ''should'' have no problems,It does take about three to four weeks to get a decision from them.

Thanks - I assume (based on your listed collection) that this is based on personal experience, which is exactly what I was looking for - so thanks again.