Reptiles Banned As Pets: What Are They?
Exotic animals represent a great alternative for those who are allergic to dogs and cats or for those who have particular phobias towards these animals. Having reptiles or exotic animals in the house is becoming more and more fashionable. However, among the exotic animals, there are reptiles that are prohibited by law.
The ban on owning certain types of animals depends on several factors. For example, because they can be potentially dangerous, because they can become an invasive species, or because they are an endangered protected species in their countries of origin. In this article we will tell you which are some reptiles that are banned as pets.
Reptiles banned as pets
1. The grain snake
Wheat snakes ( Pantherophis guttatus ) originate from the east coast of the United States of America. Owning this type of snakes has become very popular in many European countries in recent years due to the ease with which they can be bred and maintained.
Their possession is governed by state laws, therefore, in some countries they may not be prohibited. However, the European Union is studying a bill to ban the possession of these reptiles. Furthermore, they are looking for a way to eliminate their presence in nature.
Grain snakes came to Europe through the pet trade. Their abandonment, as well as the escapes, allowed this species to live free in nature.
These animals tend to hunt any birds or small mammals they encounter in their path. They are diurnal snakes capable of adapting to any type of environment. When they manage to live free in nature, controlling or destroying them becomes quite complex operations. Although they are not poisonous, the bite of these snakes is very painful. Furthermore, their presence can create social alarm.
2. The great constricting snakes
The Boa constrictor and pythons are two other reptiles that are banned as pets. The main reason is that these animals reach such a large size that they can pose a serious danger to humans.
Also, due to their large size, it is unethical to keep these reptiles in a terrarium. Snakes that reach a length of three or four meters should have an entire room available to be able to live in dignity.
Large snakes are also prohibited because they represent a potential danger to humans. The same goes for poisonous snakes like cobras, rattlesnakes or coral snakes.
3. American pond turtle (or common glider), one of the most famous banned reptiles
Over the past few decades, this turtle has been one of the most popular pets of children. The American pond turtle ( Trachemy scripta ) is one of the most troublesome invasive animals and has replaced most of the local turtle species.
These turtles have a great appetite, reproduce easily and are able to survive the winter without any difficulty. Until its ban, they were given to children to be kept as pets, unaware that these animals can easily reach a size of over 30 centimeters.
If you no longer want to keep them, they must be handed over to specialized centers where euthanasia is practiced to eliminate them (since it is forbidden to own this species).
4. Tubercle Iguana, another of the banned reptiles
The tubercle iguanas, or green iguana ( Iguana iguana ), are bought when they are young and their total length does not exceed thirty centimeters. They are not dangerous at this stage. However, their maintenance is complicated due to problems that can arise due to the improper use of UV lamps.
When a green iguana becomes an adult, the real problems appear. These reptiles can reach two meters in length and with their tail, which they use as a whip, they can cause serious injuries. Plus, while their bite isn’t fatal, they have jaws that are so strong they can amputate a man’s finger.
The consequences of having reptiles banned as pets
Having reptiles prohibited by law as pets can cause serious consequences, both for the owner and for the animals themselves. If you are reported for possession of banned animals, you risk the confiscation of the animal and its transfer to a specialized center until the judge decides on its fate (in most cases euthanasia).
In addition, the owner will have to pay a fine that can amount to several thousand euros or even, depending on the case, serve a prison sentence. On some occasions, the owner could face trial for illegal animal trafficking.
It should also be known that veterinarians are prohibited from assisting those species of animals classified as invasive or illegal. Under the laws of the country in which he lives, the veterinarian is obliged to notify the authorities in the event that a client brings a prohibited animal to his clinic. In many cases he is obliged to euthanize the animal.
