R657-53-12. Regulations Specific to Venomous Reptiles Native to Utah

(1) An individual must obtain a certificate of registration prior to collecting, possessing, importing, or propagating any reptile, whether wild caught or captive-bred, that is: (a) native to Utah; (b) venomous; and (c) a bite from which may cause substantial physical injury to humans ordinarily requiring medical treatment. (2) An individual must be at least 18 years of age to receive a certificate of registration pursuant to this section. (3) To apply for a certificate of registration, a person must submit the following materials to the division: (a) the species and number of individual animals requested; (b) the source from which they are to be acquired; (c) a description of the knowledge, skills, and experience the applicant has in handling venomous reptiles, and if any mentor will be utilized during the term of the certificate of registration; (d) the address where the animals will be housed and written verification from the local governmental entity that the activity requested is consistent with their ordinances; (e) a description of the facilities and equipment to be utilized in housing the animals; (f) all documentation required by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food for lawful import, if necessary; (g) verification that appropriate medical treatment from a medical provider is available in proximity to the location where the animals will be housed; and (h) registration with the division for propagation activities, if requested. (4) The division may deny a certificate of registration application if: (a) the applicant fails to submit any of the required application materials in this section; (b) approval of which would violate local, state, or federal law; (c) there is a basis for denial described in R657-53-17; or (d) approval of which may continue to pose a substantial public safety concern. (5) All activities conducted under a certificate of registration authorization issued pursuant to this section are subject to the mandatory reporting requirements identified in R657-53-19.