Section I. Organizational
1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this organization shall be to:
- Further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of reptiles and amphibians.
- Educate the membership and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians.
- Promote the study, conservation, and protection of reptiles and amphibians.
Revised bylaws approved 4-1-2016
1.2 Mission – The Minnesota Herpetological Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to:
- provide educational programs that promote appreciation and proper care of reptiles and amphibians;
- support the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians;
- facilitate the protection, and if necessary the rescue, of reptiles and amphibians.
Adopted by the 10/2015 Board
1.3 Vision – The Vision of The Minnesota Herpetological Society is to protect reptiles and amphibians, through conservation and education, and promote and support responsible herpetoculture.
Adopted by the 10/ 2015 Board
1.4 Aims and Goals:
1.4.1 To promote the conservation and preservation of reptiles and amphibians.
1.4.2 To educate the public to the value of reptiles and amphibians.
1.4.3 To educate its members as to the proper care of reptiles and amphibians.
1.4.4 To educate its members as to the importance of maintaining natural populations of reptiles and amphibians.
1.4.5 To promote an atmosphere for open discussion of reptiles and amphibians among its members.
1.5 Code of Ethics:
1.5.1 Members of MHS shall foster and promote an appreciation of reptiles and amphibians.
1.5.2 Members are expected to respect the aims and goals of MHS and shall not diminish these goals or discredit or embarrass MHS or its members.
1.5.3 Members are expected to discourage illegal or unethical conduct by the members or non-members of MHS.
1.5.4 Members are expected to treat reptiles and amphibians in a humane and ethical manner, whether the animals are in the wild or captivity.
1.5.5 Disregarding this code of ethics may result in the loss of membership.
1.5.5a A two-thirds (2/3)-majority vote of a quorum board of directors is necessary to revoke a membership.
1.5.5b Any individual whose membership has been previously revoked can be reinstated with a two-thirds (2/3)-majority vote of a quorum board of directors.
Amended August 2, 2008
Approved 3-4-2017
Section II. Financial
1.0 Dues
1.1 Active Members: Sustaining $60.00, Contributing $40.00, and Basic $20.00.
1.1.1 Sustaining, contributing or basic membership includes all individuals residing at the same address.
1.2 Corresponding Members: Non-Commercial (Exchanges, Museums) $0.00, Commercial $25.00.
1.3 Membership dues must be paid on an annual basis (minimum).
1.4 MHS will accept Paypal, cash or checks as payment for membership. Checks must have name, address, phone number, and date of birth or driver license number.
2.0 Budget
2.1 The Budget Committee will present a budget plan no later than the October Board Meeting.
2.2 The Annual Audit Committee will be selected no later than the March Board Meeting and will present their written report no later than the June Board Meeting.
3.0 Reimbursements
3.1 Reimbursements of expenses require pre-approval subject to the following schedule: Up to $50.00 each for the Treasurer and highest-ranking officer; over $100.00 requires Board approval.
3.2 Reimbursement will not be made without proof of purchase or board approval.
3.3 Mileage will be reimbursed at the rate of $.50 per mile.
4.0 Expenditures
4.1 Budgeted routine expenditures are deemed approved upon approval of the budget (newsletter printing and postage, etc.).
4.2 Budgeted non-routine expenditures may only be made by persons previously authorized by the board subject to the same limits as reimbursements.
4.3 All unbudgeted expenditures require prior board approval.
4.4 Expenditures shall be designated routine or non-routine within the annual budget.
5.0 Sales
5.1 Non-MHS Sales MHS General Policies
5.1.1 MHS accepts no responsibility for any private sales that may take place within the proximity of the monthly meeting place.
5.1.2 Selling shall take place outside of the monthly meeting room.
5.1.3 Selling shall not conflict with the official meeting or rules of the University of Minnesota.
5.1.4 The general announcement of private sales within the meeting room is prohibited except under special circumstances and with pre-approval of the highest ranking board member.
5.1.5 ‘Critter of the Month’ is the only time an animal may be advertised for sale during the meeting.
5.2 MHS Sales
5.2.1 MHS will accept MHS Bucks, cash or checks as payment. Checks must have name, address, phone number, and date of birth or driver license number and will only be accepted from members in good standing.
5.2.2 Only active members may purchase rodents. Dry good items or raffle tickets may be purchased by anyone attending the event.
5.2.3 Rules of special sale events may be determined by the person(s) in charge of the event subject to approval by the Board prior to the event.
6.0 Inventory
6.1 All marketable items are to be tracked monthly. Written tracking reports with monthly activity and balance will be recorded. Remaining balance must be physically counted at least quarterly. Notes are required on any discrepancies.
6.2 Inventory tracking report must be turned into the Treasurer each July and January for the prior six month period.
Amended August 2, 2008
Section III. Animals
1.0 Animals
1.1 MHS will not sell or auction live animals.
2.0 Venomous
2.1 MHS does not encourage, recommend, nor promote the keeping of any species of venomous reptiles by
private individuals.
2.2 MHS strongly encourages person(s) who feel a need to keep venomous reptiles to consider the following
suggestions prior to obtaining any venomous reptiles.
2.2.1 Learn about the care and husbandry techniques needed to provide a healthy and secure
environment for the animals.
2.2.2 Establish a protocol for feeding and cleaning the animals; so as to reduce risks of bites to the
keeper and others. Never work with venomous animals while you are alone.
2.2.3 Establish a protocol for first aid in case of a bite from the venomous reptile.
2.2.3 Never keep a reptile that does not have a local source of antivenin.
2.2.4 Never provide untrained persons or minors with venomous reptiles.
2.2.5 Never allow minors to keep venomous reptiles.
2.2.6 Always remember that there is a risk of serious injury or death from working with venomous
reptiles.
3.0 Critter of the Month
3.1 Clear all potentially dangerous animals with the vice-president before bringing them to the meeting.
3.2 Bring animals in appropriate carriers for the weather conditions.
3.3 Bring a proper container to display the animal.
3.4 Animals may be removed from their containers in the meeting room only during critter of the month,
during the break, if pre-approved by the board.
4.0 Adoption Committee
4.1 Adoption Policy – Please refer to the current Adoption Policy in the General Policies.
MHS General Policies
4.2 The adoption committee will present a written annual report by the February board meeting, including a
full accounting of all animals processed, whether they were adopted, placed outside the society, or
euthanized.
4.3 The Adoption Committee will include a MHS board member.
4.4 Euthanasia
4.4.1 Animals will be euthanized only in a humane veterinarian approved method for the species.
4.4.2 Unhealthy or difficult to place animals may be euthanized at the discretion of the Adoption
Committee Chair with the approval from the presiding or highest ranking officer available.
4.4.3 – The board will make euthanasia decisions for healthy animals.
Amended August 2, 2008
Amended October 4, 2014
Section IV. Publications
1.0 Printing
1.1 All MHS publications will be printed on recycled paper.
1.2 Whenever possible, MHS publications will be sent by bulk mail.
1.3 Special publications must have the approval of the board in advance before printing or mailing costs are incurred.
2.0 Editors
2.1 Editors are responsible for enforcing the general policies of MHS. Further policies or details regarding their special publications are at the discretion of that editor subject to the approval of the board.
2.2 The newsletter editor is responsible for editing and producing the newsletter. The deadlines, procedures and formats are at the discretion of the newsletter editor.
2.2.1 MHS business shall be reported in the newsletter as requested by the board.
2.2.2 The newsletter editor will follow the policies established by the MHS board.
2.2.3 Any donations made by the MHS shall be published in the newsletter.
2.3 The newsletter will include the following copyright
3.0 Library
3.1 Only MHS members may check out or renew library items.
3.2 Up to three items can be checked out per membership number.
3.3 The Librarian will make the decision on exchanging newsletters with other societies.
3.4 Exchanged newsletters will be held for one calendar year.
3.5 The overdue fine is $1.00 per item per month. Renewals made by telephone circumvent the fine. Items may only be renewed twice.
3.6 Overdue Library Items
3.6.1 The Librarian will call about the overdue item(s) after the first month.
3.6.2 The Librarian will send a postcard reminder regarding the overdue item(s) after the second month. The member may no longer check out new items.
3.6.3 After the third month the item(s) are overdue, the board will receive the member’s name. Further action will be at the board’s discretion and could include suspension of any or all member privileges.
4.0 Multimedia Releases
4.1 Multimedia or other new forms of communications are subject to the same policies as special publications and need the approval of the board before exposure to the general public.
5.0 Ads Policy
5.1 The newsletter editor reserves the right to edit all submissions, and MHS reserves the right to refuse any ads.
5.2 No ads will be run for venomous species.
5.3 Published Ad Policy: MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the health or legality of any animals, or the quality or legality of any product or service advertised in the MHS Newsletter. Any ad may be rejected at the discretion of the Newsletter Editor. Due to space limitations, unpaid and complimentary advertising is subject to occasional omission.
Classified Ads: All active members are allowed a classified ad, run free of charge as space permits. Ads may be run 3 consecutive months, after which time they may be resubmitted.
Newsletter Ad Rates: Ad Size per Month per Year
Bus Card $5.00 $55.00
1/4 page $10.00 $110.00
1/2 page $20.00 $220.00
Full page $40.00 $440.00
6.0 White Pages
6.1 The white pages shall be published annually within 3 months of the general election.
6.2 A letter requesting address corrections should be sent out in a timely manner to ensure the information in the directory is as accurate as possible.
6.3 Members receiving the white pages need to respect the privacy of those listed and not provide the list to non-members.
6.4 The Membership list in electronic or mailing label form will not be made available to any commercial request without board approval.
7.0 New Member Packet
7.1 New members (or renewing members whose membership lapsed more than 3 years ago) will receive a new member packet within 3 months of paying dues.
7.2 New member packets include MHS Bylaws, general policies, descriptions of activities, descriptions of board and chair duties, and other available information regarding MHS.
8.0 Internet
8.1 The Listserv moderator reserves the right to edit all submissions, and MHS reserves the right to refuse any ads or postings.
8.2 No ads will be run for venomous species.
8.3 Listserv Ad Policy: MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the health or legality of any animals, or the quality or legality of any product or service advertised in the MHS Newsletter. Any ad may be rejected at the discretion of the Listserv moderator.
Classified Ads: All active members are allowed to post classified ads to the designated section on the Listserv.
Ads will be deleted after 6 months.
Adopted March 8, 1998
Amended April 6, 2003
Amended August 2, 2008
MHS Hands-On Policy
MHS provides a public service by exposing the general public to various reptiles and amphibians for the purpose of educating them about the natural history, the characteristics, and the biological value of reptiles and amphibians. This should be an enjoyable experience for the animal handler as well as the public. The following policy will ensure safety for the public, the handler, and the animal(s).
For purposes of definition:
a Hands-On Event is any event sanctioned by the MHS Board, in which participating MHS members allow the public to come in contact with live animals.
a Promotional Event is any event sanctioned by the MHS Board, whose main function is promoting the MHS. Live animals may be on display but there is no public contact with the animals.
1.0 Event Oversight
1.1 The Education Chair will oversee Hands-On Events and report directly to the MHS Board of Directors.
1.2 All events shall be supervised by the Education Chair or a member of the Education Committee (Event coordinator) designated by the Education Chair.
1.3 The Site coordinators will maintain a copy of the current MHS Hands-on Policy and insurance certificate at all Hands-On Events.
1.4 A copy of the Hands On Participant Rules will be signed and dated by every participating MHS member for each year. Participants under 18 years of age will also have this policy signed by their parent or legal guardian
1.5 All Participants working directly with animals or supplying animals for a MHS hands on event will provide a copy of a current proof of insurance to be kept on file (i.e., an Insurance Declaration). MHS will store these in a secure lock box until they expire and then they will be destroyed.
1.6 Site Coordinators are responsible for enforcing the policies of the MHS, organizing the set-up and clean-up of the MHS displays, obtaining the required forms from the membership. They have the responsibility of filling out an event report and returning it and any money collected to the Education chair.
1.7 Site Coordinators have the absolute right to remove animals and/or MHS volunteers that do not adhere to these policies, up to and including having the person escorted from the grounds. An animal may be removed if it becomes agitated, appears ill or conditions are not favorable for it.
1.8 Site Coordinators will provide appropriate instructions to the public for proper hygiene after touching animals. This may include directions to hand washing facilities or providing hand sanitizers at the display.
2.0 Participants of MHS Hands-On Events
2.1 All participants must be current members of MHS in good standing.
2.2 All participants will be in compliance with 1.4 and 1.5
2.3 Participants 15 years of age and under will be under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian.
2.4 Participants 16 to 18 years of age may participate as individuals under the direct supervision of designated adult MHS member and must have a written permission slip on file signed by their parent or legal guardian.
3.0 Animal Handling and Personal contact at MHS Hands-On Events
3.1 No crocodilians, viperids, elapids, atractaspids, or helodermatids will be allowed at any hands-on event, excepting the display of native rattlesnakes at the State Fair. Any lizards over 3 feet or snakes over 10 feet should be cleared with the event coordinator in advance of the event.
3.2 No animals that have been in the owners’ possession for less than 30 days; sick or injured animals; animals in shed; recently fed; or animals with parasites will be used at a Hands-On Event. The Event coordinator has the right to remove any animal that exhibits any of these traits. Animals under one year of age or found to be in shed should not be in contact with the public.
3.3 Any animal known to secrete toxic skin substances must be displayed in such a manner that the public does not come in contact with it.
3.4 Public safety is of utmost importance. Animals used at events where public contact is involved must be under full control at all times, wherein the animal’s movements are restricted by an enclosed space or handler. Animals exhibiting aggressive behavior shall not come in contact with the public.
3.5 Participants will never allow the public to touch or come into contact with the head of a display animal(s).
3.6 Participants will never allow the public to take control of a display animal.
3.7 Participants will always demonstrate safe handling practices when in public. Draping an animal around the neck or on the head and face is not allowed. Snakes over six feet in length may be controlled over one shoulder only with the approval of the site coordinator.
3.8 All lizards capable of fast movement will be harnessed or enclosed while in public so as to eliminate the possibility of escape into a crowd. When a lizard is harnessed, participants will maintain control of an attached leash.
3.9 Participants will always handle animals with respect and dignity.
3.10 The public will be treated respectfully at all times.
3.11 Participants must recognize that some people are extremely afraid of reptiles and/or amphibians. At no time will a participant attempt to force their animal on a member of the public.
3.12 Animals will be exhibited only at the display sites of the event. Participants are not to enter or leave the area without first concealing their animal(s). Preferred methods would be by bagging and/or boxing. Remove animals from containers while away from the public eye to check the animal and its current disposition before displaying it.
3.13 Display cages, if used, must be of sturdy design and capable of being securely locked if not attended.
3.14 Participants should handle only one animal at a time when presenting to the public. If they are temporarily holding another animal, they should step away from the public.
3.15 Snake Walk is a special hands-on display used at Como Cottage only with the approval of the Cottage Chair.
3.15.1 A Snake Walk will consist of a snake over 6 feet and no less than two participants 16 years of age or older. It will occur outside of the fence but within the direct sightline of Como Cottage.
3.15.2 Control of the animal will be maintained with one participant guarding the head of the animal with a wooden staff and one participant guarding the tail of the animal with a wooden staff. The public will be allowed to touch the middle of the snake and prevented from touching the head or tail of the snake.
3.16 Tortoise Walk is a special hands-on display used at Como Cottage only with the approval of the Cottage Chair.
3.16.1 A Tortoise Walk display will consist of a tortoise larger than 12 inches carapace in length and one participant 16 years of age or older with a wooden staff.
3.16.2 The participant will guard the animal with a wooden staff to prevent the public from coming into contact with the head or taking control of the tortoise while walking the event grounds.
3.16.3 The tortoise will be prevented from entering the booths or shops of other vendors or any stage areas.
In the Event of a Bite
3.17 If a member is bitten: remain calm. Slowly move away from the public, so as not to draw attention. Then immediately put the animal away for the rest of the day. Quietly ask for help if needed and attend to the injury in private. Contact the site coordinator and follow their instructions.
3.18 If a person other than a member is bitten, remain calm. Apologize for your mistake and get the site coordinator to attend to the person and fill out an incident report. Put your animal away and do not bring it to another event.
4.0 Failure to Comply
4.1 Failure to comply with MHS Hands-On policy may result in suspension of participation privileges at MHS Hands-On Events.
4.2 Repeated violations of the policy may result in permanent loss of participation privileges at MHS Hands-On Events.
4.3 Suspension for failure to comply with this policy will be enforced by the Event coordinator or Hands-On Chair.
4.4 Participation suspension may be appealed to the MHS Board of Directors.
5.0 Acceptance of Liability
5.1 All Volunteers working with live animals need to be aware that they are liable if an animal bite or scratch occurs. The requirement of proof of insurance is for the protection of the volunteer as well as the protection of MHS. Failure to be insured does not protect the volunteer from liability and could result in personal lawsuit in the event of a scratch or bite.
5.2 In the event of an incident, the volunteer’s insurance will provide the first line of coverage, and then the insurance held by
MHS will act as secondary.
5.3 MHS strongly suggests speaking with your insurance company about your coverage to be sure you will be covered. If there is an incident, there is potential for the volunteer, the organization, and even the venue to face litigation.
6.0 Hold Harmless
6.1 When volunteering at an MHS event, the volunteer is agreeing to hold both the animal’s owner and MHS harmless if they are bitten or scratched by another member’s animal. This holds true if they are handling the animal with the owner’s permission, or in any other form of contact.
7.0 Special Events
MHS provides an educational service for special events requested by government, schools and community organizations. The events may include demonstrations with live reptiles and amphibians showing proper handling techniques and information on Natural History, housing and care. Some events may require experience or knowledge greater than that needed for General Hands-Ons. These Special Events must be approved by the Board of Directors and are under the control of designated coordinators that report to the board under the same terms as committee chairs.
7.0 Categories of Special Events
7.1 Participants of MHS Special Hands-On Events
7.1.1 All participants must be current members of MHS in good standing.
7.1.2 All participants will be in compliance with section 1.4
7.1.3 The Hands-On Chair should select a group of MHS volunteers that qualify for these types of events. Once the event is approved by the Board, the chair can organize the number of volunteers needed for the event.
7.2 Adoption Intake Night is under the supervision of the Adoption Chair and follows the policies of the Adoption Committee approved by the Board of Directors.
7.3 Como Cottage is under the supervision of the designated Cottage chair but is considered a Hands-On event for the sake of insurance and governance. The Cottage chair is responsible for enforcing the policies of the MHS and Mid-America Festivals Inc. as stated in our contract. The Cottage chair will be included in Education committee discussions of policy changes.
7.4 State Fair is under the supervision of the State Fair Chair but is considered a Hands-On event for the sake of insurance and governance. The State Fair Chair is responsible for enforcing the policies of the MHS and the DNR and State Fair hosts. State Fair follows the MHS policies for Display events (7.6.1 and 7.6.2) under the Hands-On Policy.
7.5 Training sessions are under the supervision of the Education Chair. Training Sessions are events where the MHS has been asked to train individuals in proper techniques. This may include, catching, restraining, holding, examining, and housing the animals. Participants are expected to take control of the animals under the guidance of an approved MHS volunteer.
7.6 Presentations are under the supervision of the Education Chair. Presentations are events requesting a short lecture given by one or two individuals for a designated time frame. They may include classroom programs, school field trip events, scout programs, etc. The MHS presenter may work with the requesting organization to prepare a program relevant to the host’s event. The MHS presenter reports to the Education Chair as described in Section 1.5.
7.6.1 Contact Display events are programs where animals are present and the audience may come into contact with them. They follow the Hands-On Policy noted above.
7.6.2 Non-contact Display events are programs where animals are only on display. There is no public contact. They follow the Hands-On Policy noted above unless there is a Board approved procedure for the defined event and may include the following exception: Venomous animals may be displayed in a securely locked container and only with prior approval by the Site Coordinator.
7.7 Expo Booths are a promotional event under the supervision of the Education Chair. Expo Booths represent the MHS at pet expos in the region. Participants at Expo Booths educate the public about the MHS, about native reptiles and amphibians, and about appropriate care of captive reptiles and amphibians. Participants displaying live animals will follow the Hands-On Policy noted above. Animals may be made available for adoption at an Expo Booth with approval of the Adoptions Chair and are further subject to any policies and procedures established by the Adoptions Committee.
7.8 Critter of the Month is a presentation given by an MHS member to the attendants of an MHS General Meeting and is under the supervision of the Education Chair in coordination with the Vice President. Participants presenting live animals will follow the Hands-on Policy noted above.
Adopted October 5, 1996
Amended April 4, 1998
Amended August 2, 2008
Amended May 5, 2017
Amended November 5, 2022
MHS ADOPTION POLICY
The purpose of the MHS Adoption Committee is to find adequate housing and care for animals surrendered to the MHS.
1.0 Receipt of Animals
1.1 A statement of surrender must be completed by everyone placing an animal with MHS for adoption. Exceptions are Humane Societies, Animal Control and similar placement agencies.
1.2 All individuals placing an animal are to be notified of possible euthanasia.
1.3 Animals should not be brought to a meeting for adoption without prior permission of the adoption chair.
1.4 Venomous animals
1.4.1 – Venomous animals received will not be placed at the general meeting.
1.4.2 – The placement of venomous animals will be outsourced to qualified individuals or organizations.
2.0 Placement of Animals
2.1 Guidelines for the adoption of animals
2.1.1 To have and provide adequate food and housing for the animal.
2.1.2 To have experience with the species up for adoption or a related species.
2.2 Policies of Adoption
2.2.1 Consider the best interest of the animal.
2.2.2 All adoptions are at the sole discretion of the adoption committee.
2.2.3 – Only current MHS members are eligible to adopt animals. Exceptions may be made in the case of animals deemed difficult to place.
2.3 Adoption Procedures
2.3.1 Adoption request forms should be filled out as completely as possible, including name and membership number. A parent must sign for a member under 18 years of age.
2.3.2 – Adoption committee members must abstain from the decision regarding an animal for which they or a family member has applied.
2.3.3 – Animals available for adoption should not be removed from their cages by the general membership.
2.3.4 – The board will make the decision about euthanasia for healthy animals.
3.0 Unhealthy Animals
3.1 Any unhealthy animals received for adoption may be dealt with at the discretion of the adoption committee chair and the intake vet.
Adopted January 4, 1997
Amended September 6, 1997
Amended August 2, 2008
Amended May 5, 2012
Amended May 3, 2014
Amended October 4, 2014
The policies printed on this website are “best effort” at this time, and may not reflect our exact policies at any given moment, as they are continually under review and being updated. They should be assumed to be accurate up to the latest amended dates listed. If there has been amendment since, we will post updates in a reasonable amount of time.