LAWS REGULATIONS & RESOURCES

Below is a list of links and resources regarding laws relevant to taxidermy and trade in animals. This is by no means a comprehensive list of federal, state, and international laws and does not in any way constitute legal advice. Neither myself nor Atropos Mediaworks is a lawyer nor holds any liability for the behavior of others.

The US Fish & Wildlife Service regulates all US wildlife. Visit their site which contains each law, act, and information and applications for permits and import/export licenses. 

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates the movement of endangered species across borders. Anything CITES listed likely requires paperwork and/or permits of some sort, varying based on which appendix (I, II, or III). 

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Redlist of Endangered Species is an informative source regarding the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus, and plant species. 

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918 (16 U.S.C. 703-712) protects most birds in the United States.  It is intended to ensure the sustainability of populations of all protected migratory bird species. Other countries may have different laws. 

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) (16 U.S.C. 1531-1544) protects and recovers imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend.  

The Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. 3371-3378) enforces penalties for the illegal trade of animals and plants; regulates the import of any species protected by international or domestic law; and prevents the spread of invasive or non-native species. 

Congress passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) in 1972 in response to increasing concerns among scientists and the public that significant declines in some species of marine mammals were caused by human activities.  All marine mammals are protected through this Act.

The Dog and Cat Protection Act (19 U.S.C. 1308) regulates the trade of domestic animal remains.  

Georgia Code Section 27-2-23. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of taxidermy or provide taxidermy services to anyone other than themselves unless they have first been issued a taxidermist license by the GA Department of Natural Resources as provided in this code.