how can you tell whats illegal?

[andruboz]

wanted to buy an apple snail at my local store but they are banned in this area. [due to damage from local release to streams and lakes.] is there any list of fish that are not legal to sell in U.S. or in Texas? where is a good place to look for such a list?

 

[wetmanNY]

Texas Parks & Wildlife publish this long list of fish banned in Texas: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fish/infish/regulate/exotics.htm

 

[pinballqueen]

It is a safe bet that if it's not for sale, it's not legal to sell. You can go to your local fish/game commission website to find out common "vermin" fish and wildlife in your area, but a list of legal/illegal pets is hard to come by... and some of them are really odd. Here, in TN, it is illegal to own WHITE piranah, but perfectly legal to own Black Piranah (a much more damaging species...go figure...)

If I find some links I'll post them....

Sorry to hear you can't have the snails, though, they're a blast!

EDIT: Cool, wetman! That's the site I was just heading for...you beat me to it....

 

[JamisonBWolsh]

Just because its "illegal" in your state, doesnt mean you cant buy it. Buy it from a website, aquabid or drive across the border. The reason why they would be illegal would be because if released, they can thrive. But your not releasing them. So, morally, you would be fine buying it.

 

[pinballqueen]

No, Jamison, MORALLY, you would be breaking the law.

What your conscience tells you is your business. Having illegal pets purchased on the black market, out of state, or through a website, is still having an illegal pet. Simple as that. I wouldn't go to Uruguay and buy a parrot and bring it home, nor would I order Quaker parakeets (a very illegal animal in TN) online, just because I couldn't get them at the pet store. There's a reason for laws like those.

I could very easily go online and buy a kilo of cocaine while I was at it. Doesn't make it okay to do it....

That's a question of moral obligation though. If you're fine with breaking the law, have at it. Just don't cry to me when they take all of your pets away (even the legal ones) and fine you heavily and/or put you in jail over a snail....

Just my 2 cents.... (sorry, don't mean to be inflammatory, but this actually happened to a friend of mine over illegal piranah....)

 

[JamisonBWolsh]

Many things are illegal. Ever download music? Thats illegal. There are many senseless laws. Keeping any type of fish (as long as they arent endangered) should be fine. The reason the law is in place is because it can survive in that environment. Should this keep us from keeping certain fish? NO! we are responsible fishkeepers that wont release them. The law is in place to keep the "general" public from purchasing them.

Cant compare a Parrot...They are wild caught and many die in route. My parents have Ferrets in NY, yet its "illegal" in ca. Does that mean you cant find ferrets in Ca? No! Petco sells how
to take care of ferrets books, local pet doctors WILL treat a sick ferret. so it is "acceptable" in Ca, yet illegal.

As for the Police. They dont knock on your door and ask what fish do you keep.... THE only reason why your friend was "caught" was because someone NARCed on her to the cops. Of course, the police has to deal with that because someone reported her. But, trust me when I say this. Having a APPLE snail will not end the world. ANDrubus will not have a knock at his door (as long as no one reports him..as if).

 

[slipknottin]

This forum will not tolerate any posting that advises anyone to break laws. Any further conversation about the topic will be deleted and erased.

Thank you for your understanding

 

[pinballqueen]

For the record, I don't download music. I am a recording artist, and I understand why the law exists. I also caught an oscar out of my local lake, so I understand why that one exists as well. As far as someone ratting my friend out for having a white piranah, it was more like someone went to a party at HIS house, saw the fish, asked what it was... it was a small town, and it got back to the game warden, who, yes, had to act upon this information.

We are all members of the "general public". Most of us are responsible. The reason we have crosswalks with lights telling us when to walk is because of the "other" people don't know or care to wait until the traffic has cleared....

Incidentally, Quaker parakeets are only illegal in a few states. I could go to Georgia or Florida and buy one if I wanted to....they're perfectly all right there.

No, having a snail is not the end of the world.

Like I said, it's up to you whether you obey the law or not. Just don't think you're above it....

 

[carpguy]

Just to start out on a personal note:
Jamison, I don't think I've ever agreed with you for more than twenty letters in a row, but you have been missed. I don't miss you as much as TnC, but nevertheless you made your mark and it ain't been the same. Some will curse my name but you've always been good for an argument and I love a good argument. Don't be shy.

I've broken my share of laws, mostly having to do with illicit drug use that I personally thought of as being a matter of personal choice. And in my very humble and small world it may have been innocent enough. Big picture, its best to not flaunt these things. I disagree with the current drug laws, especially in my state, but breaking them has repercussions that go beyond the walls of my living room. I've seen a lot of people struggle with things they thought were small and containable.

If a fish is illegal there just might be a reason. You yourself might be unusually responsible and enlightened. Go find another fish. There really are a lot of fish. And if you feel like this is your blow against authority, question your priorities. They're just fish.

 

[Richer]

This thread is done, we do not support any illegial activities whatsoever, no matter what your views are. Bring it to General Chit Chat if you must discuss this further.

-Richer