UPDATE 5/12/26: The hearing was tonight. Twelve dedicated herpetoculturists attended, and five spoke in opposition to the proposal. No one appeared in support. The speakers did a tremendous job representing responsible herpetoculturists. Phil Goss was there to represent USARK and our members. While this is a permitting system, the requirements are extremely burdensome and completely unfair to current owners. It could prove to be a de facto ban if permits are not issued for any reason at the agency’s discretion. The agency representatives tonight were very receptive, and we appreciate their time, but they were with a separate department from that overseeing these permits. Comments are allowed until May 20.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has proposed changes to regulations on the Importation and Possession of Wild Animals (250-RICR-40-05-3). The proposal will add two tegu genera (Salvator and Tupinamibis) to the list of animals requiring an exotic animal possession permit. This new permit requirement would include Argentine Black-and-white tegus, Blue tegus, Red tegus, Colombian Gold tegus, and all other species in those two genera. Also, African Giant Land snails will be banned, and a clarification will be made regarding exemptions for animal “dealers.” The changes can be read at the link below. Note that only underlined changes in red or purple text are new. The black text is the current regulation. The tegu change likely stems from the discovery of a tegu in a driveway in January 2026. Escapes and releases easily trigger bans and licenses.
The comment deadline is May 20, 2026. Email comments to David Kalb at: david.kalb@dem.ri.gov
Public meeting: 5:30 P.M. on May 12, 2026, at the DFW Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter, RI, 02822
LINK to proposed rule: https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/26-RI-reg.pdf
LINK to the Rhode Island “exotic wild animal permit:” https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/RI-exotic-animal-permit.pdf
SAMPLE LETTER
email address: david.kalb@dem.ri.gov
Subject line: No to severe tegu permitting
Department of Environmental Management,
I am a Rhode Island resident and responsible animal owner who opposes the onerous exotic animal permit for two genera of tegu lizards. This is unfair to current owners who now need to meet the new requirements to be compliant. For many reasons, these new permit stipulations may prove too burdensome or even unattainable for current owners, who will then be required to euthanize or rehome their animals.
DEM regulations must be reasonable and responsible reptile owners deserve legitimate, scientific, and rational reasons for the heavy permitting on tegus. None of the tegus pose invasive-species risks, and there needs to be less onerous regulation for current owners, such as waiving permit requirements and instead establishing a simple registry. This should also be considered for future owners if DEM provides a valid rationale for requiring permitting. Please do not let the negligent actions of one person lead to the collective punishment of the many responsible reptile owners in the state. Thank you for your consideration, and have a good day.
