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Legal issues w/ exhibiting snakes?

martin-bernstein

martin-bernstein

Anything Lava!
So I've been hatching out a new little business plan and I need some help navigating the legal beuracracy.

I have all these amazing and beautiful snakes and the only people who get to enjoy them are myself, my lady, and a handful of friends that occassionally come over. That's a shame! I would love to show these critters to lots more people, and teach them about snake physiology, genetics, and the importance of preserving wildlife.

So, I want to establish a small business where private persons can book me for birthday parties and similar events, and where I can come and do fun little lectures and showcase my snakes. Also, I'd really like to go to schools. Manhattan has hundreds of thousands of students, and I think the market might be pretty good. Schools could book me to come for science classes.

My questions are:

Are there any federal or New York laws that state that I need a permit to showcase non-venomous snakes in this fashion? I would be showcasing them in private homes and educational institutions, but is that still considered public?

Would I need to obtain health records for the snakes from a certified vet in order to bring them into a school?

Can I show case them as a person, or do I need to be a company or organization?

Are there any other legal isues I should be looking into?

And finally, where can I find good resources that will answer my questions? I've looked on government websites but can't find much about it.

All comments and help are welcomed!

Thanks!
 
I would look at a liability insurance plan with at least a million dollar umbrella. The possibility could arise that some mom throws their angel into therapy and claims you have mentally scared them by allowing a kid who begged you to pet it access to a snake or the kid pets the snake and runs off to eat lunch without washing their hands and gets salmonella from the school lunch salad you will be blamed.

Sorry I am a glass half empty kind of guy I see all the wrong society can do and plan for it because with my luck, they will.
 
yea i agree. find a way of protection from the people that are just waiting for you to let your guard down to take you to court for every last penny you have....
 
First, check with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation about the licenses and permits you would be required to have. You should also check to see about a business license, fictitious name registration, filing estimated federal income tax, paying social security, etc...you know, all the BS needed when you start a business.

Second, talk with Jeff Mohr (MohrSnakes) about what he does/has concerning the liability insurance issues as I know he gives presentations with snakes. The liability issue is a big one and cannot be ignored.
 
I definitely agree about liability. Some people are okay, some people love snakes, and some are just out to get you.
 
martin-bernstein said:
Very interestin garticle. So the question I guess is, given the risk of facing a lawsuit if one of my animals bites, would it be equally interesting to kids to look but not touch?
Click to expand...

Not really... as somebody who's worked with kids for years, I can tell you they'll want to touch everything! :D Good luck with your venture, and I'm interested to hear how it goes - as I'm considering a similar business venture here in California.
 
Thanks. Yeah, I've worked with kids for years and they are the most inquisitive creatures on the planet. I would hate to have to tell them that they can't touch Tina, my motley. She's the sweetest snake you'll ever meet. I'm gonna talk with some people who have done this before and see what they have to say. Thanks for all suggestions and comments!
 
An option to consider...

besides getting insurance and maybe keeping the "business end" of the animals in your hands while allowing touching of the rest of the animal (the worst that can happen is poop!) would be to incorporate your new business. If done correctly, it would restrict a judgment to the assets of the corporation. That would probably include only the animals used, and maybe transport cages, etc. It is possible that the corporation could own NOTHING, and only lease the animals and equipment from you. But that might allow the other party to sue you personally (as the owner of the animals), as well. You would have to discuss that with an attorney knowledgeable in that field.

But before considering your personal possessions safe, be sure to have both a CPA and attorney check over your paperwork. I am no expert in such matters! But I believe it can be easy to make some paperwork mistakes that could invalidate the "corporate veil" of security that you are trying to establish.

Or, if you are poor enough, it is possible that no personal injury attorney would even take the case because of the low chances of recovery of significant money (especially if you have some insurance, and they offer a small payment in the event of an injury, assuming you will have no really dangerous animals capable of inflicting serious damage). It could be worth a consultation with such an attorney before you start.
 
That's something I'll look into, becoming incorporated. As you write, it is very possible no attorney would bother to take the case if I'm poor (which I am by definition of being a student, hehe). My main concern would actually be that that my target market, private school kids in Manhattan, have mommies and daddies who are big shot somethings, lawyers, finance people with good lawyers, insurance agents with good lawyers etc. Manhattanites can be pretty vindictive, and will pay a pretty penny to see that justice prevails (meaning that they get what they want!), especially if their kids have been "injured."

Uff, I'm trying not to feel discouraged. Kathy, I think you're right, the first step I need to take is to speak with an attorney. Thanks for the advice!
 
martin-bernstein said:
bites
Click to expand...

Remember that absolute liability is, well, absolute. It is not only bites. If a child accidentally falls over a large snake, you get zapped. Any injury connected with your little slitherer is fair game.

I'm not trying to scare you off, just trying to open your eyes to various possibilities.
 
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