New England Herpetological Society

500 Columbian Street

Weymouth, MA 02190

Herpline: (617) 789-5800

neherp@neherp.com

As many of you know, the State's list of exempt and non-exempt exotic animals was amended in 1995. While many animals came off the list (that is, you no longer need a permit to own), a few animals went from having some or no restrictions to being "permit-only" species, which is to say, animals that cannot be legally maintained in this state without a permit. For example, these animals include African Rock Pythons, Anacondas, Green Tree Pythons, and Reticulated Pythons. (If you have a question about any of the animals you keep, you can check with us.) If you kept one of these animals legally before the permit requirements went into effect, your animal will be "grandfathered" and you can continue to maintain it in Massachusetts.

In order to keep track of who is keeping "grandfathered" animals, the Department of Fish and Wildlife has asked the New England Herpetological Society to gather information from owners who voluntarily report their animals. A list will be maintained of animals so reported, which can assist the owner in proving, if necessary, that the animal is grandfathered and so legal. The NEHS will provide the state with the names and information on the animals owned of all those who provide such information to NEHS.

Note the following:

1. NEHS will make all information provided available to the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

2. NEHS will not attempt to verify the truth of the information provided by owners, but will simply gather the information. Owners of these animals would still be wise to keep any records (vet records, receipts, etc.) which proves that the animal was owned before the enactment of the new law.

3. All owners may want to check and ensure that local laws allow keeping the animal. In some cases, town law can be stricter than the State law.

4. The enactment of the new list does not make most formerly illegal animals legal. If you have a non-permitted monitor, for example, it is still not legal, because monitors required permits on both the old and new list. The grandfathering process only applies to a few animals which became permit-only animals on the new list. Again, if you are in doubt, check with us.

To put your animal(s) on the "grandfathered" list, please write a brief letter listing the animals you own which now require a permit, and sent it to the New England Herpetological Society.