Illegally importing insects - California

[kgallego]

Just out if curiosity, does anyone know what the consequences of importing illegal insects into California? Not saying that I'm going to do it, but I'm having a debate with a friend on the subject.

 

[Andee]

All I know is that the federal government gets involved and there are usually some pretty hefty fines

 

[CarlC]

You could probably find anything you were looking for if you tried. There are lots of insect breeders there.

Carl

 

[kgallego]

You could probably find anything you were looking for if you tried. There are lots of insect breeders there.

Carl

I'm not trying to get insects, I just want to know the consequences of it.

 

[sandrachameleon]

Just out if curiosity, does anyone know what the consequences of importing illegal insects into California? Not saying that I'm going to do it, but I'm having a debate with a friend on the subject.

I should think the primary consequence would be the potential negative impact on valuable state agricultural and environmental resources from the harmful effects caused by the introduction of exotic organisms.

 

[Andee]

If you are planning on releasing them or giving it to someone that will release them. This is why I don't trust people who don't keep bugs on a regular basis and don't realize the harm they can do.

 

[Motherlode Chameleon]

Do not do it that is not a road you want to go down. Transporting insects across state lines is already as complicated (invasive insects are legal to ship while natives are illegal to transport across state lines) as it is just adding to confusion is not going to help at all. I'm attempting to persuade the Federal Agricultural Department to allow me to ship grasshoppers across state lines (even on a limited basis) and if people start illegal shipping insects that could subvert my efforts. Especially here in California.

Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich

 

[sandrachameleon]

If you are planning on releasing them or giving it to someone that will release them.

and not to mention, accidents happen

 

[junglefries]

Local laws, ok. federal laws, NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will not win in a court, even if innocent. with local laws, you will have more of a chance to prove your innocence. you don't want to be made an example of by federal laws. just not worth it. not to mention, your kids' kids (x6) will still be paying your fines.

 

[Kiwiflage]

Aside from potential escapees, if you were caught, some pretty hefty fines would keep you busy

 

[kgallego]

I should think the primary consequence would be the potential negative impact on valuable state agricultural and environmental resources from the harmful effects caused by the introduction of exotic organisms.

If you are planning on releasing them or giving it to someone that will release them. This is why I don't trust people who don't keep bugs on a regular basis and don't realize the harm they can do.

Do not do it that is not a road you want to go down. Transporting insects across state lines is already as complicated (invasive insects are legal to ship while natives are illegal to transport across state lines) as it is just adding to confusion is not going to help at all. I'm attempting to persuade the Federal Agricultural Department to allow me to ship grasshoppers across state lines (even on a limited basis) and if people start illegal shipping insects that could subvert my efforts. Especially here in California.

Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich

and not to mention, accidents happen

Bless your hearts for being concerned for the agriculture and environment - agriculture is my family business, so naturally I am also deeply concerned. Insects are destructive. But you (three) didn't read my original post very well before you all got up in arms. This thread was not to start a debate on the immorality of transporting illegal bugs. It was a question on the legal consequences of breaking the law - so please stay on the subject.

If I had asked a question about the consequences of driving drunk, I don't think anyone would have said, "Well, you're probably going to crash into a school bus and kill a bunch of children."

 

[kgallego]

All I know is that the federal government gets involved and there are usually some pretty hefty fines

Local laws, ok. federal laws, NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will not win in a court, even if innocent. with local laws, you will have more of a chance to prove your innocence. you don't want to be made an example of by federal laws. just not worth it. not to mention, your kids' kids (x6) will still be paying your fines.

Aside from potential escapees, if you were caught, some pretty hefty fines would keep you busy

Thank you folks for your input.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

Fines, court costs, the negative publicity you'd be giving the reptile keeping community as a whole. We already face enough pressure from the bureaucracy of this country without ppl being scofflaws and doing things that will get the local & possibly national media on some wild anti reptile crusade. We saw enough of that in Florida with escaped reptiles and the whole Everglades python crap.

 

[kgallego]

Fines, court costs, the negative publicity you'd be giving the reptile keeping community as a whole. We already face enough pressure from the bureaucracy of this country without ppl being scofflaws and doing things that will get the local & possibly national media on some wild anti reptile crusade. We saw enough of that in Florida with escaped reptiles and the whole Everglades python crap.

No joke. People still think it's cool to let their pets go. Even in Hawaii Jackson's chameleons are having a negative impact on the local native insects.

 

[sandrachameleon]

But you (three) didn't read my original post very well before you all got up in arms. This thread was not to start a debate on the immorality of transporting illegal bugs. It was a question on the legal consequences of breaking the law - so please stay on the subject.

well, you didn't really ask that.
what you asked was

does anyone know what the consequences of importing illegal insects into California

you didn't ask what fines or incarceration you might face for illegal importation would be if caught.
so my response was to the question actually asked - what I felt would be the most significant consequence.

If I had asked a question about the consequences of driving drunk, I don't think anyone would have said, "Well, you're probably going to crash into a school bus and kill a bunch of children."

I might have! hurting someone else would certainly be a good primary reason not to behave stupidly.

 

[DanSB]

well, you didn't really ask that.
what you asked was

you didn't ask what fines or incarceration you might face for illegal importation would be if caught.
so my response was to the question actually asked - what I felt would be the most significant consequence.



I might have! hurting someone else would certainly be a good primary reason not to behave stupidly.

I'm going to rant slightly unrelated here. I love that people such as Sandra exist an wish there was more like her. The legal consequences are a fabricated and arbitrary consequence shoddily governed and most often inappropriate. The real consequences are the real issue. If people would think of those terms without being coerced by punitive laws we could do away with such idiocy. But alas, such will not be the case.

I personally ignore laws except as guidelines as to not hurt the environment or others. For instance it is illegal to own piranha in California. I happen to know if had one it would never get loose and attack the eco system so I would get one if I had the opportunity. Many (all?) exotic beetles are illegal to import into California. I can't guarantee none would get loose, so I wouldn't get any that are possibly invasive.