Possession of various wildlife species in Texas is regulated by the Texas State Administrative Code, County and Municipal regulations, and Federal laws. These laws, regulations, and administrative rules can be confusing and, in some cases, may be in conflict with one or more other governing bodies. Recent updates and revisions to the administrative code include reporting requirements for Animal Control agencies as well as changes to the permitting process for wildlife rehabilitators and new guidance for veterinarians. In order to understand the nuances of the various laws and regulations, and unravel potential conflicts to ensure that laws are correctly enforced, it is important to look at the historical development of these laws for context. Having established a contextual foundation, one can then look at specific elements of the laws, and identify and resolve conflicts between the various governing bodies. Ultimately, the goal of this workshop is to enable participants to understand the current state and federal regulations governing wildlife care, transportation, and possession. Armed with this information, shelter personnel will be able to make appropriate decisions when presented with wildlife issues.
