Maine to enact new regulations impacting reptile keepers

A burrowing frog floating quietly between the bleating calls. Despite overwhelming support against the law change from residents and pet owners in the state, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife has passed a rule increasing fines for illegal wildlife ownership, making it harder for those who wish to breed, buy or sell, new ownership restrictions for exotic pets and lastly a third party contractor will be in charge of inspections. From Centralmaine.com:

Before that vote, opinions about the rule changes were mixed. In a public comment period earlier this summer, the agency received a couple hundred letters, said Nate Webb, a biologist with the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. At a public hearing in June, a few Mainers and non-Mainers supported the changes, arguing they will ensure animals are treated better while in captivity. But a greater number of attendees at the June hearing — including breeders, collectors, rehabilitators and researchers — expressed concern about the proposal .

We will be watching closely to see when the full rules are posted. Shame on Maine, your residents spoke up and you did not listen.