CITES (the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species) is the international trade and environmental treaty that ensures trade in wildlife and wildlife products does not threaten species with extinction. The core mission of CITES is to ensure trade in...
A permit (the requirement passed in 2007) is required from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to possess certain snake species. There are recreational and commercial “Controlled Exotic Snake” permits. Read the FAQ at...
Leon Valley is amending its animal ordinance to allow some exceptions for certain animal possession, such as zoos and veterinary offices. This would be a good time for residents to address problems that they have with the current ordinance. The city already has pet...
UPDATE 8/4/26: The City Council decided to table this issue. They will hold a committee meeting on 8/25 and possibly discuss this again at their 9/1 meeting. Special thanks to Bill and Sally Trufant from B & B Pet Stop, and Anna Bush, President of Friends of...
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) has been working on changes to the state’s herp regulations. MDNR staff has already presented one proposal at several meetings to ban the possession of all native Maryland herps, including captive-bred animals....
UPDATE July 14, 2026: Comments may be submitted by clicking “SUBMIT A PUBLIC COMMENT” at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/14/2026-14098/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-90-day-findings-for-10-species. Comments are due by...