Quote Originally Posted by deranged chipmunk View Post
in all reality, we can discuss legalities until the end of time. the fact of the matter is not really whether or not it is illegal, the problem is enforcement. unless there is a complaint filed, it will continue. heck, they can make it a freaking constitutional amendment, but who is going to enforce it? the E.P.A.? your local SPCA? they barely have enough funding for the jobs they are currently doing (sort of). and all those loop holes are a joke. for example, a friend of mine saw online that he could buy a baby alligator. problem is, he lives in NJ and they are illegal to purchase and own without a permit. however, i live 3 miles from him, but in PA. of course he asked me to purchase it for him (legal to buy/purchase in PA) and drive it over the bridge to his house. really, who is going to know? and of course, really, the only law i am breaking is transporting the animal over state lines without a permit. i think it's like a $500.00 fine or something like that. he did all the research. so, the short of it is, the gator comes in tuesday. lol seriously, i would never do that, but you can see how easily these folk get away with it.
Enforcement of exotic animal ownership falls under the state's USDA department of APHIS ( animal protection and health inspection services), but you're right, they don't have the funding and especially the man power to do their jobs properly.