We are calling for a revision of the outdated Corpus Christi Animal Care and Control Ordinance regarding its restrictions against the class Reptilia. The current city ordinance utilizes family taxonomy as a blanket term in order to prohibit the ownership and sale of over 200 different species of snakes collectively. Although amendments cannot be expected regarding state-regulated species, we demand that alterations be made to allow the residents of Corpus Christi their right to own safe, regulated species of boa constrictors, colubrids, and pythons (family Boidae, Colubridae, & Pythonidae respectively). These animals do not inherently “[pose] a potential physical or disease threat to the public” of Corpus Christi—the most popular species of pet snakes aren’t even considered a threat under Texas state regulations!

The reptile and exotics industry has long fostered an innate curiosity and deep love for these misunderstood creatures for decades—with many being inspired to pursue careers in animal care, ecological welfare, and education. At the moment, this ordinance squanders and limits economic opportunities for local businesses that thrive on this growing community and industry. Continuing to uphold the illogical, fear-mongering beliefs concerning snakes deprives the residents of Corpus Christi the ability to own, experience, and learn about these passive animals. A large majority of the current prohibited snake species do not pose a threat of establishing successful invasive breeding populations as opposed to some presently allowed species (rabbits, cats, etc.). This mandate has little-to-no regulation regarding nonpoisonous and nonvenomous species of lizards, geckos, frogs, toads, and salamanders that, arguably, pose more of a potential threat to our local wetlands and estuaries—only snakes are singled out in their entirety.

Over the past couple of decades, the reptile pet trade has exploded in popularity. Allowing these prohibitions to remain encourages illegal exotics activity to occur and leaves current reptile lovers displaced in their own local community. Many of these species have been captive-bred for generations and have yet to pose themselves as a threat to the general public. Ignorance and misinformation shouldn’t hold back the city of Corpus Christi from enjoying these animals.