what are the laws in Tennessee governing the awarding or selling reptiles in carnivals and fairs?

Question

I am against the trading, selling or awarding reptile in carnivals and fairs in Tennessee. Does anyone know what the laws are concerning this matter? Where can I get copies of these rules for Lawrencenurg, or for Tennessee as a whole state?

Answer 1

The State Code in Tennessee, section 39-17-101, makes it an offense "for a person to display, exhibit, handle, or use a poisonous or dangerous snake or reptile in such manner as to endanger the life or health of any person." It doesn’t mention religious gatherings; a tourist-trap snake show along the interstate could just as well violate this statute.

Tennessee
A person must obtain a permit in order to propagate Class I or Class II wildlife; Class II wildlife includes: nonpoisonous reptiles and amphibians except caimans and gavials; (wich fall under Class I)
TENN. CODE ANN. §§ 70-4-403, 70-4-410

I am working on more directly answering your question, but this is what i have found so far. What i need to know is are these snakes indigenous to your area. For example I am from California and it is illegal to sell wild caught snakes from that area. Meaning i can buy a King Snake but i can not buy a California King Snake that was not legally captively bred.

This link says it is Compiled and Edited Tennessee Laws Pertaining to Animals 2004
www.vet.utk.edu/cait/pdf/animal_law_book04.pdf

Answer 2

I am against using ANY live animals in this manner, but prosecuting a fair or carnival is tough- they usually live on the edge of the law and dance around such relatively minor infractions.

Answer 3

Every State has their laws avaialable online. You can look up anything you need. You States Bar Association also has online help when you are have trouble finding the laws you want.

Answer 4

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