Illegally Selling?

[tylototriton]

Just a forewarning, this topic may snowball quickly!

A few examples of illegal amphibian trade:
Obviously, the sale of endangered/protected amphibians is illegal on a state, national and global basis. The E.S.A. and CITES are the go to's on this topic. Trade is tightly controlled on species listed in these documents.
- Eastern Indigos are an example of a species that is (nearly) illegal to sell because of its protected nature. In order to sell them across state lines breeders must fill out a **** ton of paperwork (thats a formal legal definition). This is why very frequently you will see breeders/dealers only offering them for in-state sales.
- Dart frogs are another example. If you've ever tried to buy from that extremely awesome Dendrobatid distributor in Canada then you know that in order for them to ship stuff here they need to fill out CITES paperwork because even though they are legal animals their trade is controlled.

Furthermore, states can prohibit certain animals and what not, making their trade and even ownership illegal.
-Until very recently dart frogs were "illegal" in CT. This meant that those of us who may or may not have owned them could potentially get in trouble. It definitely meant that there could be no sales in state or to the the state though. Thankfully, this law has been fixed.
-California is an example of a state where trade is tightly controlled on amphibians and other pets. I'm not sure of the list of species they prohibit (because frankly I don't care) but I believe it is quite extensive.

So yeah, it has basically become a case by case basis for the trade of reptiles and amphibians (and all other animals) and often falls under state FWS and/or DEP (and maybe even agricultural department) jurisdiction and sometimes if even falls under national FWS power. Always something to be mindful of. You'll notice that on many sites dealers have disclaimers that recipients hold the responsibility of knowing state laws and that the dealer will bear no responsibility if the animal is seized.

~Alex

[Wicked frogs]

weird.

[sschind]

What Alex said and on top of that some areas prohibit the sale of pretty much anything without a business license or permit. Depending on you local laws and ordinances you may very well be breaking the law.

[DeeDub]

Who is selling illegally, and what are they selling? Where are they selling it? Just curious.