Illinois § 18.1

§ 18.1.

Sale or gift of reptiles and other animals. (a) A pet shop shall not sell a reptile, offer a reptile for sale, or offer a reptile as a gift or promotional consideration unless a notice regarding safe reptile-handling practices that meets the requirements in subsection (b) is (i) prominently displayed at each location in the pet shop where reptiles are displayed, housed, or held and (ii) distributed to the purchaser or recipient. (b) The notice regarding safe reptile-handling practices shall be one of the following: (1) a notice provided at no charge by the Illinois Department of Public Health; or (2) a notice that has the dimensions of at least 8.5 inches by 11 inches, that uses fonts that are clearly visible and readily draw attention to the notice, and that contains all of the following statements: (A) "As with many other animals, reptiles carry salmonella bacteria, which can make people sick. Safe reptile-handling steps should be taken to reduce the chance of infection." (B) "Always wash your hands thoroughly after you handle your pet reptile, its food, and anything it has touched." (C) "Keep your pet reptile and its equipment out of the kitchen or any area where food is prepared. Kitchen sinks should not be used to bathe reptiles or wash their dishes, cages, or aquariums. If a bathtub is used for these purposes, it should be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected with bleach." (D) "Don't nuzzle or kiss your pet reptile." (E) "Keep reptiles out of homes where there are children under 5 years of age or people with weakened immune systems. Children under 5 years of age or people with weakened immune systems should avoid contact with reptiles." (F) "Pet reptiles should not be allowed in child care centers." (G) "Pet reptiles should not be allowed to roam freely throughout the home or living area." (Source: P.A. 91-741, eff. 1-1-01.)