Senate Bill 17 Summary

• Makes it a Class C misdemeanor to knowingly or intentionally release an exotic or wild animal into the wild without a permit from the Department of Natural Resources, with fines ranging from $500 to $2,500.

• Requires persons in the business of selling exotic reptiles (six or more per calendar year) to obtain an annual permit from the department; selling without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor.

• Requires persons not in the business of selling exotic reptiles to notify the department before selling an exotic reptile; failure to notify is a Class C infraction.

• Defines "exotic animal" as any animal not native to Indiana or extirpated from Indiana that is wild or feral (excluding dogs and cats).

• Effective July 1, 2011.