Source: https://www.animallaw.info/statute/il-dangerous-animals-and-aquatic-life-herptiles-herps-act
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 08:20:41
Document Index: 345751167

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 68', '§ 68', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 5', '§ 5', '§ 5', '§ 5', '§ 5', '§ 5', '§ 5', '§ 5', '§ 5', '§ 5', '§ 68', '§ 5', '§ 5', '§ 5', '§ 10', '§ 10', '§ 10', '§ 10', '§ 10', '§ 10', '§ 10', '§ 10', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 15', '§ 20', '§ 20', '§ 20', '§ 20', '§ 20', '§ 20', '§ 25', '§ 25', '§ 25', '§ 25', '§ 25', '§ 25', '§ 30', '§ 30', '§ 35', '§ 40', '§ 40', '§ 45', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 55', '§ 55', '§ 60', '§ 65', '§ 70', '§ 75', '§ 80', '§ 80', '§ 510', '§ 85', '§ 90', '§ 95', '§ 95', '§ 100', '§ 100', '§ 100', '§ 105', '§ 105', '§ 105', '§ 105', '§ 105', '§ 105', '§ 105', '§ 105', '§ 105', '§ 105', '§ 105', '§ 105', '§ 120', '§ 105', '§ 105', '§ 105', '§ 105', '§ 105', '§ 105', '§ 105', '§ 105', '§ 425', '§ 105', '§ 110']

IL - Exotic pets - Act 68. Herptiles-Herps Act | Animal Legal & Historical Center
Full Statute Name: West's Smith-Hurd Illinois Compiled Statutes Annotated - Chapter 510. Animals. Act 68. Herptiles-Herps Act,
Popular Title: Herptiles-Herps Act Primary Citation: 510 ILCS 68/1-1 to 510 ILCS 68/110–5 Country of Origin: United States Last Checked: November, 2018 Alternate Citation: IL ST CH 510 § 68/1-1 to IL ST CH 510 § 68/110–5 Date Adopted: 2015
68/1-1. Short title
68/1-5. Purpose
68/1-10. Administrative agency
68/1-15. Definitions
ARTICLE 5. INDIGENOUS OR NATIVE HERPTILE TAXA
68/5-5. Possession limits
68/5-10. Commercialization; herpetoculture
68/5-15. Protection of habitat
68/5-20. Taking of endangered or threatened species
68/5-25. Taking of snakes
68/5-30. Taking of turtles or bullfrogs; illegal devices
68/5-35. Areas closed to the taking of reptiles and amphibians
68/5–40. Translocation and release of herptiles
ARTICLE 10. VENOMOUS REPTILES
68/10–5. Venomous reptile defined
68/10–10. Surgically altered venomous reptiles
68/10–15. Venomous reptile permit requirements
68/10–20. Approved venomous reptiles
68/10–25. Maintenance of venomous reptiles
68/10–30. Educational programs with approved venomous reptiles
68/10–35. Transport of approved venomous reptiles
68/10–40. Additional regulations
ARTICLE 15. BOAS, PYTHONS, AND ANACONDAS
68/15–5. Boas, pythons, and anacondas
68/15–10. Maintenance of boas, pythons, and anacondas
68/15–15. Educational programs with boas, pythons, and anacondas
68/15–20. Transport of boas, pythons, and anacondas
68/15–25. Use of boas, pythons, and anacondas at reptile shows
ARTICLE 20. CROCODILIANS
68/20–5. Crocodilians
68/20–10. Crocodilian permit requirements
68/20–15. Maintenance of crocodilians
68/20–20. Educational programs with crocodilians
68/20–25. Transport of crocodilians
68/20–30. Additional regulations
ARTICLE 25. MONITOR LIZARDS
68/25–5. Monitor lizards
68/25–10. Monitor lizard permit requirements
68/25–15. Maintenance of monitor lizards
68/25–20. Educational programs with monitor lizards
68/25–25. Transport of monitor lizards
68/25–30. Additional regulations
ARTICLE 30. TURTLES
68/30–5. Turtle farming
68/30–10. Turtle collection
ARTICLE 35. AMPHIBIANS
68/35–5. Amphibians
ARTICLE 40. HERPTILE SCIENTIFIC COLLECTION PERMITS
68/40–5. Permit issuance
68/40–10. Permit requirements
ARTICLE 45. HERPTILE SCIENTIFIC COLLECTION PERMIT APPLICATION AND FEES
68/45–5. Permit Application and Fees
ARTICLE 50. HERPETOCULTURE PERMITS
68/50–5. Permit issuance
68/50–10. Permit requirements
ARTICLE 55. HERPETOCULTURE PERMIT APPLICATION AND FEES
68/55–5. Permit application and fees
68/55–10. Additional regulations
ARTICLE 60. HERPTILE SPECIAL USE PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
68/60–5. Permit Requirements
ARTICLE 65. HERPTILE SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION AND FEES
68/65–5. Permit Application and Fees
ARTICLE 70. SUSPENSION OF PRIVILEGES AND REVOCATION OF HERPTILE SPECIAL USE PERMITS
68/70–5. Suspension of Privileges and Revocation of Permits
ARTICLE 75. RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS OF SPECIAL USE HERPTILES
68/75–5. Record Keeping Requirements
ARTICLE 80. INJURY TO A MEMBER OF PUBLIC BY SPECIAL USE HERPTILES
68/80–5. Injury to a Member of Public by Special Use Herptiles
ARTICLE 85. PROHIBITED ACTS WITH SPECIAL USE HERPTILES
68/85–5. Prohibited Acts
ARTICLE 90. PENALTIES
68/90–5. Penalties
ARTICLE 95. CIVIL LIABILITY AND IMMUNITY
68/95–5. Assumption of Risk
68/95–10. Civil Liability and Immunity
ARTICLE 100. SEIZURE AND FORFEITURE
68/100–5. Prima facie evidence; confiscation
68/100–10. Search and seizure
68/100–15. Seizure and forfeiture
ARTICLE 105. GENERAL PROVISIONS
68/105–5. Administrative rules
68/105–10. Conservation of reptiles and amphibians
68/105–15. Peace officers
68/105–20. Arrests; warrants
68/105–25. Prosecutions; State's Attorneys
68/105–30. Statute of limitations
68/105–35. Collection of fines
68/105–40. Power of entry and examination; access to lands and waters
68/105–45. Obstructing an officer
68/105–50. Posing as an officer or employee
68/105–55. Illegal collecting devices; public nuisance
68/105–60. Violations; separate offenses
68/105–65. Accessory to violation
68/105–70. Permit fraudulently obtained
68/105–75. Wildlife and Fish Fund; disposition of money received
68/105–80. Ownership and title of wild indigenous reptiles and amphibians
68/105–85. Application
68/105–90. Taking on private property
68/105–95. Financial value of herptiles
68/105–100. Home rule
ARTICLE 110. EXEMPTIONS
68/110–5. Exemptions
§ 1-1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Herptiles-Herps Act.
P.A. 98-752, § 1-1, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
§ 1-5. Purpose. For purposes of this Act, reptiles and amphibians shall be exempt from the definition of “aquatic life” under Section 1-20 of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. All rules and enforcement actions under the Illinois Conservation Law and the dangerous animals provisions in Section 48-10 of the Criminal Code of 2012 related to reptiles and amphibians shall be covered exclusively by this Act.
P.A. 98-752, § 1-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
§ 1-10. Administrative agency. This Act shall be administered and under the direction of the Department of Natural Resources.
P.A. 98-752, § 1-10, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
§ 1-15. Definitions. For the purposes of this Act, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the following terms are defined as:
“Administrative rule” means a regulatory measure issued by the Director under this Act.
“Authorized law enforcement officer” means all sworn members of the Law Enforcement Division of the Department and those persons specifically granted law enforcement authorization by the Director.
“Bona fide scientific or educational institution” means confirming educational or scientific tax-exemption, from the federal Internal Revenue Service or the applicant's national, state, or local tax authority, or a statement of accreditation or recognition as an educational institution.
“Contraband” means all reptile or amphibian life or any part of reptile or amphibian life taken, bought, sold or bartered, shipped, or held in possession or any conveyance, vehicle, watercraft, or other means of transportation whatsoever, except sealed railroad cars or other sealed common carriers, used to transport or ship any reptile or amphibian life or any part of reptile or amphibian life taken, contrary to this Act, including administrative rules, or used to transport, contrary to this Act, including administrative rules, any of the specified species when taken illegally.
“Culling” means picking out from others and removing rejected members because of inferior quality.
“Department” means the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
“Director” means the Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
“Educational program” means a program of organized instruction or study for providing education intended to meet a public need.
“Endangered or threatened species” means any species listed as endangered or threatened to the species level on either the Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Fauna or the federal U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service List of Threatened and Endangered Species.
“Herptile” means collectively any amphibian or reptile taxon, whether indigenous to this State or not.
“Indigenous or native taxa” means those amphibians and reptiles to the subspecies level that can be found naturally in this State.
“Medically significant” means a venomous or poisonous species whose venom or toxin can cause death or serious illness or injury in humans that may require emergency room care or the immediate care of a physician. These species are categorized as being “medically significant” or “medically important”.
“Owner” means an individual who has a legal right to the possession of a herptile.
“Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, organization, trade or professional association, firm, limited liability company, joint venture, or group.
“Possession limit” means the maximum number or amount of herptiles that can be lawfully held or possessed by one person at any time.
“Possessor” means any person who possesses, keeps, harbors, brings into the State, cares for, acts as a custodian for, has in his or her custody or control, or holds a property right to a herptile.
“Reptile show” means any event open to the public, for a fee or without a fee, that is not a licensed pet store, where herptiles or herptiles together with other animals are exhibited, displayed, sold, bought, traded, or otherwise made available for public display.
“Resident” means a person who in good faith makes application for any license or permit and verifies by statement that he or she has maintained his or her permanent abode in this State for a period of at least 30 consecutive days immediately preceding the person's application, and who does not maintain permanent abode or claim residency in another state for the purposes of obtaining any of the same or similar licenses or permits under this Act. A person's permanent abode is his or her fixed and permanent dwelling place, as distinguished from a temporary or transient place of residence. Domiciliary intent is required to establish that the person is maintaining his or her permanent abode in this State. Evidence of domiciliary intent includes, but is not limited to, the location where the person votes, pays personal income tax, or obtains a drivers license. Any person on active duty in the Armed Forces shall be considered a resident of Illinois during his or her period of military duty.
“Special use herptile” means any taxon of amphibian or reptile for which a Herptile Special Use permit is required.
“Take” means possess, collect, catch, detain, hunt, shoot, pursue, lure, kill, destroy, capture, gig or spear, trap or ensnare, harass, or an attempt to do so.
“Transport” or “ship” means to convey by parcel post, express, freight, baggage, or shipment by common carrier or any description; by automobile, motorcycle, or other vehicle of any kind; by water or aircraft of any kind; or by any other means of transportation.
“Turtle farming” means the act of breeding, hatching, raising, selling turtles, or any combination commercially for the purpose of providing turtles, turtle eggs, or turtle parts to pet suppliers, exporters, and food industries.
“Wildlife sanctuary” means any non-profit organization that: (1) is exempt from taxation under the federal Internal Revenue Code and is currently confirmed as tax exempt by the federal Internal Revenue Service; (2) operates a place of refuge where wild animals are provided care for their lifetime or released back to their natural range; (3) does not conduct activities on animals in its possession that are not inherent to the animal's nature; (4) does not use animals in its possession for entertainment; (5) does not sell, trade, or barter animals in its possession or parts of those animals; and (6) does not breed animals in its possession.
P.A. 98-752, § 1-15, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
§ 5-5. Possession limits.
P.A. 98-752, § 5-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
§ 5-10. Commercialization; herpetoculture.
P.A. 98-752, § 5-10, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
§ 5-15. Protection of habitat. Habitat features that are disturbed in the course of searching for reptiles and amphibians shall be returned to as near its original position and condition as possible, for example overturned stones and logs shall be restored to their original locations.
P.A. 98-752, § 5-15, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
§ 5-20. Taking of endangered or threatened species.
P.A. 98-752, § 5-20, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
§ 5-25. Taking of snakes. Unless otherwise provided in this Act, any non-threatened or non-endangered snake may be taken by the owners or bona fide tenants of lands actually residing on the lands and their children, parents, brothers, and sisters permanently residing with them.
P.A. 98-752, § 5-25, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
§ 68/5-30. Taking of turtles or bullfrogs; illegal devices.
(1) All individuals taking bullfrogs shall possess a valid sport fishing license and may take bullfrogs only during the open season to be specified by administrative rule. Bullfrogs may only be taken by hook and line, gig, pitchfork, spear, bow and arrow, hand, or landing net.
(2) The daily catch limit and total possession limit for all properly licensed persons shall be specified by administrative rule.
(3) All persons taking common snapping turtles shall possess a valid sport fishing license and may take common snapping turtles only during the open season to be specified by administrative rule. Common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) may be taken only by hand, hook and line, or bow and arrow, except in the counties listed in Section 5-35 where bowfishing for common snapping turtles is not allowed.
(4) The daily catch limit and total possession limit for all properly licensed persons shall be specified by administrative rule.
P.A. 98-752, § 5-30, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
The LaRue-Pine Hills or Otter Pond Research Natural Area in Union County. The closed area shall include the Research Natural Area as designated by the U.S. Forest Service and the right-of-way of Forest Road 345 with Forest Road 236 to the intersection of Forest Road 345 with the Missouri Pacific railroad tracks. Unless otherwise authorized, possession of any collecting equipment is prohibited within the closed area.
P.A. 98-752, § 5-35, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/5-40. Translocation and release of herptiles
P.A. 98-752, § 5-40, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/10-5. Venomous reptile defined
Venomous reptiles include, but are not limited to, any medically significant venomous species of the families or genera of the Order Squamata: Helodermatidae, such as gila monsters and beaded lizards; Elapidae, such as cobras and coral snakes; Hydrophiidae, such as sea snakes; Viperidae and Crotalinae, such as vipers and pit vipers; Atractaspididae, such as burrowing asps; Colubridae in the following genera that shall be determined by administrative rule: West Indian racers (Alsophis); boigas and mangrove snakes (Boiga); road guarders (Conophis); Boomslangs (Dispholidus); false water cobras (Hydrodynastes); varied or hooded keelbacks (Macropisthodon); Montpellier snakes (Malpolon); kukri snakes (Oligodon); collared snakes (Phalotris); palm snakes or green racers (Philodryas); sand snakes or racers (Psammophis); keelbacks (Rhabdophis); beaked snakes (Rhamphiophis); twig snakes (Thelotornis); black tree snakes (Thrasops); Pampas snakes (Tomodon); Wagler's snakes (Waglerophis); false fer-de-lances (Xenodon); specimens or eggs of the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis); and any other species added through legislative process designated.
P.A. 98-752, § 10-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/10-10. Surgically altered venomous reptiles
It is not a defense to a violation of Article 65 that the person violating that Article has had the venomous reptile surgically altered to render it harmless.
P.A. 98-752, § 10-10, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
In addition to those requirements listed in Articles 60 and 65 of this Act, Herptile Special Use permits may be issued to residents using approved venomous reptile species only for bona fide educational programs, following an inspection and approval of the proposed facilities. A minimum of 6 documented programs shall be required of each permittee per calendar year. Unless addressed or exempted by administrative rule, annual permit renewal must be accompanied by a non-refundable fee as set by the Department by administrative rule and documented proof of educational programs completed on the recipient's letterhead. Prospective permittees must have 250 documented hours of experience with venomous reptiles. The Department or the Department of Agriculture reserves the right to inspect permittees and facilities during reasonable hours. Additions to permits must be approved prior to acquisition of additional venomous reptiles, and any changes shall be reported to the Department in writing no later than the first business day after that change occurred.
P.A. 98-752, § 10-15, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
Permittees may keep legally obtained venomous reptile specimens native to the United States, except the following species: Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus adamanteus); Western diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox); Mojave rattlesnakes (Crotalus scutulatus); Southern Pacific rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus helleri); Eastern and Texas coral snakes (Micrurus fulvius); Sonoran coral snakes (Micruroides euryxanthus); and timber/canebrake rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) from the southern portions of their range (Oklahoma, southern Arkansas, Louisiana, and also southeastern South Carolina south through eastern Georgia to northern Florida), known as “Type A” and containing canebrake toxin.
P.A. 98-752, § 10-20, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
Permittees shall keep approved venomous reptiles in strong escape-proof enclosures that at a minimum are: impact resistant, locked at all times, prominently labeled with the permittee's full name, address, telephone number, list of cage contents by scientific and common names, and a sign labeled “venomous”. The signage shall also include the type and location of antivenom and contact information of the person or organization possessing the antivenom.
P.A. 98-752, § 10-25, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/10-30. Educational programs with approved venomous reptiles
Permittees shall keep approved venomous reptiles in strong escape-proof enclosures that at a minimum are: impact resistant, locked at all times, prominently labeled with the permittee's full name, address, telephone number, list of cage contents by scientific and common names, and a sign labeled “venomous”. Labeling shall also include the type and location of antivenom and contact information of the person or organization possessing the antivenom. Interiors of enclosures may not be accessible to the public.
P.A. 98-752, § 10-30, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/10-35. Transport of approved venomous reptiles
During transport of any approved venomous reptile, it must be kept out of sight of the public in an escape-proof enclosure at all times that is labeled “venomous”. Transport of any venomous reptile to any public venue, commercial establishment, retail establishment, or educational institution shall only be for bona fide educational programs or veterinary care.
P.A. 98-752, § 10-35, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/10-40. Additional regulations
Venomous reptiles shall not be bred, sold, or offered for sale within this State. The Department may approve limited transfers among existing permittees at the sole discretion of the Department.
P.A. 98-752, § 10-40, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/15-5. Boas, pythons, and anacondas
Nothing shall prohibit lawfully acquired possession of any of the Boidae family, such as boas, pythons, and anacondas, provided captive maintenance requirements from the Department as set forth in this Act are met. All boas, pythons, and anacondas referenced in this Act are exempt from the permit process, associated annual fee, and liability insurance coverage.
P.A. 98-752, § 15-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/15-10. Maintenance of boas, pythons, and anacondas
Any species of boa, python, or anaconda not native to the United States, regardless of length, must be properly maintained in suitable, strong, impact resistant, escape-proof enclosures at all times unless being used for bona fide educational programs or trips for veterinary care.
P.A. 98-752, § 15-10, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/15-15. Educational programs with boas, pythons, and anacondas
During any bona fide educational program involving boas, pythons, or anacondas not native to the United States, the owner or affiliated agent must maintain physical possession of the snake at all times if removed from a container or cage. Interiors of cages or containers used during educational programs may not be accessible to the public.
P.A. 98-752, § 15-15, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/15-20. Transport of boas, pythons, and anacondas
During transport of any boa, python, or anaconda, the snake must be kept out of sight of the public in an escape-proof enclosure at all times.
P.A. 98-752, § 15-20, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/15-25. Use of boas, pythons, and anacondas at reptile shows
An owner or affiliated agent must have physical possession and control of any boa, python, or anaconda that is not native to the United States at all times if removed from a container or cage. Uncontained boas, pythons, or anacondas removed from cages for examination or onlooker interaction must be kept confined either behind or at a display table. Interiors of cages or containers may not be accessible to the public.
P.A. 98-752, § 15-25, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/20-5. Crocodilians
“Crocodilians” means any species of the Order Crocodilia, such as crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gavials.
P.A. 98-752, § 20-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/20-10. Crocodilian permit requirements
In addition to the requirements listed in Articles 60 and 65 of this Act, Herptile Special Use permits may be issued to residents using crocodilian species only for bona fide educational programs, following an inspection and approval of the proposed facilities. A minimum of 6 documented programs shall be required of each permittee per calendar year. Unless addressed or exempted by administrative rule, annual permit renewal must be accompanied by a non-refundable fee as set by the Department and documented proof of educational programs completed on the recipient's letterhead. The Department or the Department of Agriculture reserves the right to inspect permittees and facilities during reasonable hours. Additions to permits must be approved prior to acquisition of additional crocodilians, and any changes shall be reported to the Department in writing no later than the first business day after that change occurred.
P.A. 98-752, § 20-10, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/20-15. Maintenance of crocodilians
Permittees shall keep crocodilians maintained in suitable, strong, impact resistant, escape-proof enclosures at all times unless being used for bona fide educational programs or trips for veterinary care.
P.A. 98-752, § 20-15, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/20-20. Educational programs with crocodilians
During any bona fide educational program involving crocodilians, the owner or affiliated agent must maintain physical possession and control of the crocodilian at all times if removed from a container or cage. Interiors of cages or containers used during educational programs may not be accessible to the public. Crocodilians removed from their cage or enclosure for educational programs must have either the mouth banded or taped shut or kept at a minimum of 10 feet from the public and also kept out of direct contact with the public.
P.A. 98-752, § 20-20, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/20-25. Transport of crocodilians
During transport of any crocodilian, it must be kept out of sight of the public in an escape-proof enclosure at all times. Transport of any crocodilian to any public venue, commercial establishment, retail establishment, or educational institution shall only be for bona fide educational programs or veterinary care.
P.A. 98-752, § 20-25, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/20-30. Additional regulations
Crocodilians shall not be bred, sold, or offered for sale within this State.
P.A. 98-752, § 20-30, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/25-5. Monitor lizards
“Monitor lizards” means the following members of the Varanidae family, specifically crocodile monitors as well as Komodo dragons.
P.A. 98-752, § 25-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/25-10. Monitor lizard permit requirements
In addition to those requirements listed in Articles 60 and 65 of this Act, Herptile Special Use permits may be issued to residents using monitor lizard species only for bona fide educational programs, following an inspection and approval of the proposed facilities. A minimum of 6 documented programs on the family Varanidae shall be required of each permittee per calendar year. Unless addressed or exempted by administrative rule, annual permit renewal must be accompanied by a non-refundable fee as set by the Department and documented proof of educational programs completed on the recipient's letterhead. The Department or the Department of Agriculture reserves the right to inspect permittees and facilities during reasonable hours. Additions to permits must be approved prior to acquisition of additional monitor lizards, and any changes shall be reported to the Department in writing no later than the first business day after that change occurred.
P.A. 98-752, § 25-10, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/25-15. Maintenance of monitor lizards
Permittees shall keep monitor lizards maintained in suitable, strong, impact resistant, escape-proof enclosures at all times unless being used for bona fide educational programs or trips for veterinary care.
P.A. 98-752, § 25-15, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/25-20. Educational programs with monitor lizards
During any bona fide educational program involving monitor lizards, the owner or affiliated agent must maintain physical possession and control of the monitor lizard at all times if removed from a container or cage. Interiors of cages or containers used during educational programs may not be accessible to the public. Monitor lizards removed from their cage or enclosure for educational programs must have either the mouth banded or taped shut, or kept at a minimum of 10 feet from the public and also kept out of direct contact with the public.
P.A. 98-752, § 25-20, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/25-25. Transport of monitor lizards
During transport of any monitor lizard, it must be kept out of sight of the public in an escape-proof enclosure at all times. Transport of a monitor lizard to any public venue, commercial establishment, retail establishment, or educational institution shall only be for bona fide educational programs or veterinary care.
P.A. 98-752, § 25-25, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/25-30. Additional regulations
Monitor lizards shall not be bred, sold, or offered for sale within this State.
P.A. 98-752, § 25-30, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/30-5. Turtle farming
Turtles shall not be commercially farmed in this State.
P.A. 98-752, § 30-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/30-10. Turtle collection
Collection of wild turtles for races or other types of events involving congregating and gathering numbers of wild turtles is prohibited in counties where ranavirus has been documented. Inclusion on the county list shall be determined by rule.
P.A. 98-752, § 30-10, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/35-5. Amphibians
For the purposes of this Section, “amphibians” means those medically significant poisonous amphibians capable of causing bodily harm to humans or animals, including, but not limited to, cane or marine toads (Bufo marinus) and Colorado river toads (Bufo alvarius), or any other amphibian found to be medically significant and shall only be allowed for bona fide educational purposes or research purposes by exempted institutions.
P.A. 98-752, § 35-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/40-5. Permit issuance
Herptile Scientific Collection permits may be granted by the Department, in its sole discretion, to any properly accredited person at least 18 years of age, permitting the capture, marking, handling, banding, or collecting (including hide, skin, bones, teeth, claws, nests, eggs, or young), for strictly scientific purposes, of any of the herptiles not listed as endangered or threatened but now protected under this Act. A Herptile Scientific Collection permit may be granted to qualified individuals for purpose of salvaging dead, sick, or injured herptiles not listed as endangered or threatened but protected by this Act for permanent donation to bona fide public or state scientific, educational, or zoological institutions. Collecting herptiles on public lands shall require additional permits.
P.A. 98-752, § 40-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/40-10. Permit requirements
The criteria and standards for a Herptile Scientific Collection permit shall be provided by administrative rule. The Department shall set forth applicable rules covering qualifications and facilities needed to obtain a permit. Disposition of herptiles taken under the authority of this Article shall be specified by the Department. The holder of each permit shall make to the Department a report in writing upon forms furnished by the Department. These reports shall be made (i) annually if the permit is granted for a period of one year or (ii) within 30 days after the expiration of the permit if the permit is granted for a period of less than one year. These reports shall include information that the Department considers necessary.
P.A. 98-752, § 40-10, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/45-5. Permit application and fees
An applicant for a Herptile Scientific Collection permit must file an application with the Department on a form provided by the Department. The application must include all information and requirements as set by administrative rule. The application for these permits shall be reviewed by the Department to determine if a permit should be issued.
P.A. 98-752, § 45-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/50-5. Permit issuance
Any person or business who engages in the breeding, hatching, propagation, sale, or offer for sale of any indigenous herptile, regardless of origin, shall procure a permit from the Department. Herptiles specified, which are bred, hatched, propagated, or legally obtained by a person or business holding a permit as provided for in this Article, may be transported and sold or offered for sale within this State. Indigenous herp taxa collected from the wild in this State shall not be bred unless otherwise authorized by the Department for research or recovery purposes.
P.A. 98-752, § 50-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/50-10. Permit requirements
Herpetoculture permit holders shall maintain written records of all herptiles indigenous to this State bought, sold, hatched, propagated, sold, or shipped for a minimum of 2 years after the date of the transaction and shall be made immediately available to authorized employees of the Department upon request. These records shall include the name and address of the buyer and seller, the appropriate permit number of the buyer and seller, the date of the transaction, the species name (both common and scientific), and the origin of herptile involved. Records of the annual operations, as may be required by the Department, shall be forwarded to the Department upon request.
P.A. 98-752, § 50-10, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/55-5. Permit application and fees
An applicant for a Herpetoculture permit must file an application with the Department on a form provided by the Department. The application must include all information and requirements as set forth by administrative rule. The application for these permits shall be reviewed by the Department to determine if a permit should be issued.
P.A. 98-752, § 55-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/55-10. Additional regulations
Nothing in Articles 50 and 55 shall be construed to give permittees authority to breed, hatch, propagate, sell, offer for sale, or otherwise commercialize any herptile or parts thereof from herptiles indigenous to this State, either partially or in whole, that originate from the wild in this State.
P.A. 98-752, § 55-10, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/60-5. Permit requirements
Prior to any person obtaining a Herptile Special Use permit, the following criteria must be met:
(1) the person was in legal possession and is the legal possessor of the herptile prior to the effective date of this Act and the person applies for and is granted a Personal Possession permit for each special use herptile in the person's possession within 30 days after the enactment of this Act; or
(2) prior to acquiring a Herptile Special Use permit, the person must provide the name, address, date of birth, permit number, telephone number of the possessor, type or species, and the date the herptile is to be acquired.
P.A. 98-752, § 60-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/65-5. Permit application and fees
An applicant for a Herptile Special Use permit must file an application with the Department on a form provided by the Department. The application must include all information and requirements as set forth by administrative rule.
P.A. 98-752, § 65-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/70-5. Suspension of privileges and revocation of permits
A person who does not hold a Herptile Special Use permit or Limited Entry permit and who violates a provision of this Act or an administrative rule authorized under this Act shall have his or her privileges under this Act suspended for up to 5 years after the date that he or she is in violation of an initial offense, for up to 10 years after the date that he or she is in violation of a second offense, and for life for a third or subsequent offense. Department suspensions and revocations shall be addressed by administrative rule.
P.A. 98-752, § 70-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/75-5. Record keeping requirements
A person who possesses a special use herptile must maintain records pertaining to the acquisition, possession, and disposition of the special use herptile as provided by administrative rule. These records shall be maintained for a minimum of 2 years after the date the special use herptile is no longer in possession of the permit holder. All records are subject to inspection by authorized law enforcement officers. In addition to maintaining records, all special use herptiles must be either pit-tagged or microchipped to individually identify them and the pit-tag or microchip numbers are also to be maintained as other pertinent records, unless otherwise provided by administrative rule.
P.A. 98-752, § 75-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/80-5. Injury to a member of public by special use herptiles
§ 80-5. Injury to a member of public by special use herptiles. A person who possesses a special use herptile without complying with the requirements of this Act and the rules adopted under the authority of this Act and whose special use herptile harms a person when the possessor knew or should have known that the herptile had a propensity, when provoked or unprovoked, to harm, cause injury to, or otherwise substantially endanger a member of the public is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. A person who fails to comply with the provisions of this Act and the rules adopted under the authority of this Act and who intentionally or knowingly allows a special use herptile to cause great bodily harm to, or the death of, a human is guilty of a Class 4 felony.
P.A. 98-752, § 80-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015. Amended by P.A. 99-642, § 510, eff. July 28, 2016.
68/85-5. Prohibited acts
Except as otherwise provided in this Act or by administrative rule, a person shall not own, possess, keep, import, transfer, harbor, bring into this State, breed, propagate, buy, sell, or offer to sell, or have in his or her custody or control a special use herptile.
P.A. 98-752, § 85-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/90-5. Penalties
A person who violates Article 85 of this Act is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense occurring within one year after a finding of guilt on a first offense. A person who violates Article 75 of this Act is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. Each day of a violation constitutes a separate offense. Any other violation of this Act is a Class A misdemeanor unless otherwise stated.
P.A. 98-752, § 90-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/95-5. Assumption of risk
Each person who owns, possesses, or keeps a herptile expressly assumes the risk of and legal responsibility for injury, loss, or damage to the person or the person's property that results from the ownership, possession, or keeping, of the herptile. Each owner, keeper, or possessor of a herptile shall be solely liable to manage, care for, and control a particular species, and it shall be the duty of each owner, keeper, or possessor, to maintain reasonable control of the particular herptile at all times, and to refrain from acting in a manner that may cause or contribute to the injury of person, whether in public or on private property.
P.A. 98-752, § 95-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/95-10. Civil liability and immunity
If any herptile escapes or is released, the owner and possessor of the herptile shall be strictly liable for all costs incurred in apprehending and confining the herptile, including any injuries incurred to humans or damage to property, both real and personal, including pets and livestock, and the owner shall indemnify any animal control officer, police officer, or Department employee acting in his or her official capacity to capture or control an escaped herptile.
P.A. 98-752, § 95-10, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/100-5. Prima facie evidence; confiscation
The possession of any reptile or amphibian life or any part of reptile or amphibian life protected under this Act is prima facie evidence that the reptile or amphibian life or any part of reptile or amphibian life is subject to the provisions of this Act, including administrative rules.
P.A. 98-752, § 100-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/100-10. Search and seizure
Whenever any authorized employee of the Department, sheriff, deputy sheriff, or other peace office of the State has reason to believe that any person, owner, possessor, commercial institution, pet store, or reptile show vendor or attendee possesses any reptile or amphibian life or any part of reptile or amphibian life contrary to the provisions of this Act, including administrative rules, he or she may file, or cause to be filed, a sworn complaint to that effect before the circuit court and procure and execute a search warrant. Upon execution of the search warrant, the officer executing the search warrant shall make due return of the search warrant to the court issuing the search warrant, together with an inventory of all the reptile or amphibian life or any part of reptile or amphibian life taken under the search warrant. The court shall then issue process against the party owning, controlling, or transporting the reptile or amphibian life or any part of reptile or amphibian life seized, and upon its return shall proceed to determine whether or not the reptile or amphibian life or any part of reptile or amphibian life was held, possessed, or transported in violation of this Act, including administrative rules. In case of a finding that the reptile or amphibian life was illegally held, possessed, transported, or sold, a judgment shall be entered against the owner or party found in possession of the reptile or amphibian life or any part of reptile or amphibian life for the costs of the proceeding and providing for the disposition of the property seized, as provided for by this Act.
P.A. 98-752, § 100-10, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/100-15. Seizure and forfeiture
If any person is found to possess a special use herptile that is in violation of this Act, including any administrative rules, then the special use herptile and any equipment or items used contrary to this Act shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture by the Department. Any special use herptile seized in violation of this Act may immediately be placed in a facility approved by the Department.
P.A. 98-752, § 100-15, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/105-5. Administrative rules
The Department is authorized to adopt administrative rules for carrying out, administering, and enforcing the provisions of this Act. The administrative rules shall be adopted in accordance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/105-10. Conservation of reptiles and amphibians
The Department shall take all measures necessary for the conservation, distribution, introduction, and restoration of reptiles and amphibians. The Department shall also bring or cause to be brought actions and proceedings, in the name and by the authority of the People of the State of Illinois, to enforce this Act, including administrative rules, and to recover any and all fines and penalties provided for in this Act. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize the Department to change any penalty prescribed by law or to change the amount of license fees or the authority conferred by licenses prescribed by law. The Department is authorized to cooperate with the appropriate Departments of the federal government and other Departments or agencies of State government and educational institutions in conducting surveys, experiments, or work of joint interest or benefit.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-10, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/105-15. Peace officers
All employees of the Department authorized by the Director shall have the power of, and shall be, peace officers in the enforcement of this Act, including administrative rules, and may carry weapons as may be necessary in the performance of his or her duties.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-15, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/105-20. Arrests; warrants
All authorized employees of the Department and all sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, and other police officers shall arrest any person detected in violation of any of the provisions of this Act, including administrative rules. Any duly accredited officer of the federal Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service may arrest any person detected in violation of any of the provisions of this Act, including administrative rules.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-20, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/105-25. Prosecutions; State's Attorneys
All prosecutions shall be brought in the name and by the authority of the People of the State of Illinois before the circuit court for the county where the offense was committed.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-25, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/105-30. Statute of limitations
All prosecutions under this Act shall be commenced within 2 years after the time the offense charged was committed.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-30, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/105-35. Collection of fines
All fines provided for by this Act shall be collected and remitted to the Department's Wildlife and Fish Fund, within 30 days after the collection of the fine, by the clerk of the circuit court collecting the fines who shall submit at the same time to the Department a statement of the names of the persons so fined and the name of the arresting officer, the offense committed, the amount of the fine, and the date of the conviction.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-35, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/105-40. Power of entry and examination; access to lands and waters
Authorized employees of the Department are empowered, under law, to enter all lands and waters to enforce this Act. Authorized employees are further empowered to examine all buildings, private or public clubs (except dwellings), fish markets, reptile shows, pet stores, camps, vessels, cars (except sealed railroad cars or other sealed common carriers), conveyances, vehicles, watercraft, or any other means of transportation or shipping, tents, bags, pillowcases, coats, jackets, or other receptacles and to open any box, barrel, package, or other receptacle in the possession of a common carrier, that they have reason to believe contains reptile or amphibian life or any part of reptile or amphibian life taken, bought, sold or bartered, shipped, or had in possession contrary to this Act, including administrative rules, or that the receptacle containing the reptile or amphibian is falsely labeled.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-40, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/105-45. Obstructing an officer
It shall be unlawful for any person to resist or obstruct any officer or employee of the Department in the discharge of his or her duties under this Act. Any person who violates this provision is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-45, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/105-50. Posing as an officer or employee
It shall be unlawful for any person to represent himself or herself falsely to be an officer or employee of the Department or to assume to act as an officer or employee of the Department without having been duly appointed and employed. Any person who violates this provision is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-50, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/105-55. Illegal collecting devices; public nuisance
§ 105-55. Illegal collecting devices; public nuisance. Every collecting device, including seines, nets, traps, pillowcases, bags, snake hooks or tongs, or any electrical device or any other devices including vehicles or conveyance, watercraft, or aircraft used or operated illegally or attempted to be used or operated illegally by any person in taking, transporting, holding, or conveying any reptile or amphibian life or any part of reptile or amphibian life, contrary to this Act, including administrative rules, shall be deemed a public nuisance and therefore illegal and subject to seizure and confiscation by any authorized employee of the Department. Upon the seizure of this item, the Department shall take and hold the item until disposed of as provided in this Act.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-55, eff. Jan. 1, 2015. Amended by P.A. 100-512, § 120, eff. July 1, 2018.
68/105-60. Violations; separate offenses
Each act of pursuing, taking, shipping, offered or received for shipping, offering or receiving for shipment, transporting, buying, selling or bartering, or having in one's possession any protected reptile or amphibian life or any part of reptile or amphibian life, seines, nets, bags, snake hooks or tongs, or other devices used or to be used in violation of this Act, including administrative rules, constitutes a separate offense.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-60, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/105-65. Accessory to violation
Any person who aids in or contributes in any way to a violation of this Act, including administrative rules, is individually liable, as a separate offense under this Act, for the penalties imposed against the person who committed the violation.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-65, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/105-70. Permit fraudulently obtained
(1) falsify, alter, or change in any manner, or provide deceptive or false information required for any permit issued under the provisions of this Act;
(3) counterfeit any form of permit provided for by this Act;
(4) loan or transfer to another person any permit issued under this Act; or
(5) use any permit issued to another person under this Act.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-70, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/105-75. Wildlife and Fish Fund; disposition of money received
All fees, fines, income of whatever kind or nature derived from reptile and amphibian activities regulated by this Act on lands, waters, or both under the jurisdiction or control of the Department and all penalties collected under this Act shall be deposited into the State treasury and shall be set apart in a special fund known as the Wildlife and Fish Fund.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-75, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/105-80. Ownership and title of wild indigenous reptiles and amphibians
The ownership of and title to all wild indigenous reptile and amphibian life within the boundaries of the State are hereby declared to be in the State and no wild indigenous reptile and amphibian life shall be taken or killed, in any manner or at any time, unless the person or persons taking or killing the wild indigenous reptile and amphibian life shall consent that the title to the wild indigenous reptile and amphibian life shall be and remain in the State for the purpose of regulating the taking, killing, possession, use, sale, and transportation of wild indigenous reptile and amphibian life after taking or killing, as set forth in this Act.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-80, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/105-85. Application
This Act shall apply to reptile and amphibian life or any part of reptile and amphibian life (i) in or from any of the waters or lands wholly within the boundaries of the State or over which the State has concurrent jurisdiction with any other state or (ii) which may be possessed in or brought into the State.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-85, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/105-90. Taking on private property
It is unlawful for any person to take or attempt to take any species of reptile or amphibian, or parts thereof, within or upon the land of another, or upon waters flowing over or standing on the land of another, without first obtaining permission from the owner or the owner's designee. For the purposes of this Section, the owner's designee means anyone who the owner designates in a written authorization and the authorization must contain (i) the legal or common description of property for which the authority is given, (ii) the extent that the owner's designee is authorized to make decisions regarding who is allowed to take or attempt to take any species of reptiles or amphibians, or parts thereof, and (iii) the owner's notarized signature. Before enforcing this Section, the law enforcement officer must have received notice from the owner or the owner's designee of a violation of this Section. Statements made to a law enforcement officer regarding this notice shall not be rendered inadmissible by the hearsay rule when offered for the purpose of showing the required notice. Any person who violates this Section shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-90, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/105-95. Financial value of herptiles
(1) for processed turtle parts, $8 for each pound or fraction of a pound; for each non-processed turtle, $15 per whole turtle or fair market value, whichever is greater;
(2) for frogs, toads, salamanders, lizards, and snakes, $5 per herptile or fair market value, whichever is greater, in whole or in part, unless specified as a special use herptile;
(3) for any special use herptile, the value shall be no less than $250 per special use herptile or fair market value, whichever is greater;
(4) for any endangered or threatened herptile, the value shall be no less than $150 per endangered or threatened herptile or fair market value, whichever is greater; and
(5) any person who, for profit or commercial purposes, knowingly captures or kills, possesses, offers for sale, sells, offers to barter, barters, offers to purchase, purchases, delivers for shipment, ships, exports, imports, causes to be shipped, exported, or imported, delivers for transportation, transports, or causes to be transported, carries or causes to be carried, or receives for shipment, transportation, carriage, or export any reptile or amphibian life, in part or in whole, of any of the reptiles and amphibians protected by this Act, and that reptile or amphibian life, in whole or in part, is valued at or in excess of a total of $300 or fair market value, whichever is greater, as per value specified in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4) of this subsection commits a Class 3 felony.
(b) The trier of fact may infer that a person “knowingly possesses” a reptile or amphibian, in whole or in part, captured or killed in violation of this Act, valued at or in excess of $600, as per value specified in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (a) of this Section.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-95, eff. Jan. 1, 2015. Amended by P.A. 99-78, § 425, eff. July 20, 2015.
68/105-100. Home rule
A municipality or county may adopt an ordinance governing amphibian and reptile species that is more restrictive than this Act.
P.A. 98-752, § 105-100, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
68/110-5. Exemptions
When acting in their official capacity, the following entities and their agents are exempt from Articles 75 and 85 of this Act:
(1) public zoos or aquaria accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums or the Zoological Association of America;
(2) licensed veterinarians or anyone operating under the authority of a licensed veterinarian;
(6) circuses licensed and in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and all rules adopted by the Department of Agriculture;
(7) federal, State, and local law enforcement officers, including animal control officers acting under the authority of this Act;
(8) members of federal, State, or local agencies approved by the Department;
(9) any bona fide wildlife rehabilitation facility licensed or otherwise authorized by the Department; and
(10) any motion picture or television production company that uses licensed dealers, exhibitors, and transporters under the federal Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. 2132.
P.A. 98-752, § 110-5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.