Massachusetts Amends Exotic Animal Regulations
February 26, 2014
Massachusetts has amended its exotic animal laws, allowing certain species of reptiles to be kept as pets in the state. As of January 2014, the following reptiles are now allowed to be kept as pets by residents of the state: the green tree python (Chondropython spp.), the emerald tree boa (Corallus caninus), all species of Ameiva spp, also known as jungle runners or dwarf tegu, chameleons of the family Chamaeleonidae, frilled lizards (Chlamydosaurus spp.), spiny-tailed lizards (Uromastyx spp.), and the spiny-tailed or ridge-tailed monitor (Varanus acanthurus).
Photo by Postdlf/Wikipedia
All species of Ameiva spp. can be kept as pets in the state of Massachusetts. Dominican Ground Lizard (Ameiva fuscata), near the Coulibistrie River, Dominica.
The red-eared slider is no longer legal to be kept as a pet, but those who currently keep the turtle as a pet are grandfathered and current owners can continue to keep them as pets for the life of the turtles. Owners of these sliders must keep a date stamped, clear in-focus photograph of the turtle's plastron for documentation purposes.
The state's website
is where prospective owners can learn more about the exotic pets allowed by the state as well as those reptiles that are unlawful to keep.