Legislation

Current Pending Legislation

The following is a list of bills that have been introduced or will be introduced, along with our position. This list is not all inclusive as localities within a state can introduce local bill which are beyond our scope. We try to keep up to date with local legislation and will assist members in fighting ban laws in their cities.

Captive Primate Safety Ac S1324 OPPOSE

Latest Title: A bill to amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to prohibit the importation, exportation, transportation, and sale, receipt, acquisition, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce, of any live animal of any prohibited wildlife species, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Boxer, Barbara [CA] (introduced 7/5/2011) Cosponsors (2)
Latest Major Action: 7/5/2011 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committ ee on Environment and Public

Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act of 2011 H1513
Sponsor: Rep Bartlett, Roscoe G. [MD-6] (introduced 4/13/2011) Cosponsors (63)
Related Bills:S.810
Latest Major Action: 4/18/2011 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

SUMMARY AS OF: 4/13/2011--Introduced. Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act of 2011 - Prohibits: (1) conducting invasive research on great apes; (2) possessing, maintaining, or housing a great ape for the purpose of conducting invasive research; (3) using federal funds to conduct such research on a great ape or to support an entity conducting or facilitating invasive research on a great ape either within or outside of the United States; (4) knowingly breeding a great ape for the purpose of conducting or facilitating such research; (5) transporting, moving, delivering receiving, leasing, renting, donating, purchasing, selling, or borrowing a great ape in interstate or foreign commerce for conducting or facilitating such research; and (6) transferring federal ownership of a great ape to a non-federal entity unless the entity is a suitable sanctuary.

Defines "great ape" as any chimpanzee, bonobo, gorilla, orangutan, or gibbon.

Defines "invasive research" as research that may cause death, injury, pain, distress, fear, or trauma to great apes, including drug testing or exposure to a substance or isolation, social deprivation, or other experimental manipulations that may be detrimental to the ape's health or psychological well-being.

Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to effectuate the permanent retirement of all great apes that are owned by the federal government and that are being maintained in any facility for the purpose of breeding for, holding for, or conducting invasive research.

Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act. Establishes in the Treasury the Great Ape Sanctuary System Fund to be administered by the Secretary for construction, renovation, and operation of the sanctuary system for surplus chimpanzees.

USDA UPDATES OPPOSE

DA PROPOSES TO AMEND THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT TO REQUIRE ITINERAIRES FROM TRAVELING EXHIBITORS. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) announced that it is proposing to amend the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). This proposal would ensure that APHIS’ animal care inspectors have access to exhibitors’ facilities, animals and records to conduct unannounced inspections, regardless of where they may be exhibiting in the United States. These facilities include circuses, mobile petting zoos and other animal acts. Under the proposal, exhibitors would be required to submit the dates that they will be traveling- including stops event. Wouldand layovers (with addresses). As part of this proposal, APHIS animal care (AC) would also require exhibitors to submit identifying information for each animal that will be exhibited outside their designated primary facility, including its description and species information and the names of the animal’s owner, exhibitor, lessor/lessee and transporter. This negatively impacts USDA exhibitors because exhibitors would not be able to swap animals the day for any reason because APHIS needs notification several days prior to an also limit jobs that come up all of a sudden again because paperwork would not be able to be submitted.

Final Status of 2010 Legislation

FEDERAL LAWS

Captive Primate Safety Act (HR80/S462). Adds nonhuman primates to the Lacey Act, banning their transportation across state lines. Passed House but died in Senate.

Great Cats and Rare Canids Act (HR411/S529). Provides assistance for feline and canine conservation but not for captive breeding or display. Passed House but died in Senate.

Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act (HR669). Bans importation of all species not on an approved list. DEAD.

STATE LAWS

ALASKA: Game Board Meeting to consider various exotic animals. Several proposals were sent to the Game Board to legalize such exotics as finches, nonhuman primates, capuchins, servals, wallabies, and hybrid cats by adding them to the clean list and to ban chimps. During the 1/29-2/1 meeting, the AK Game Board approved feline hybrids 4 generations removed and banned chimps.

ARIZONA: Possessing Dangerous wildlife prohibited (HB 2375). Bans possession of dangerous wildlife listed, including all carnivores, NHP, crocodilians, etc. On February 18, the bill was amended to remove several species. DEAD.

CALIFORNIA: CA Fish and Game - New Restricted Species Permits and Requirements. Revised and approved December 16, 2010. Waiting for approval from OAL.

CONNECTICUT: DEP Rules governing importation, possession, and liberation of certain wild animals. Proposed ban on various species, including all cats other than bengals, bears, wild dogs, crocodilians, poisonous snakes, pythons, all NHP over 35 pounds possessed after 10/1/09, skunks, raccoons, kangeroos and wallabies. Unknown.

FLORIDA: Relating to Reptiles/Prohibitions (S 318). Prohibits any person from keeping, possessing, importing, selling, bartering trading, or breeding reptiles of concern. Grandfathers reptiles for which the owner holds a permit issued before July 1, 2010. Signed into law 6/3/2010.

FLORIDA: Relating to wildlife (S572). Changes current law to revise violations of law and require the FWC to suggest changes to reptiles of concern requirements by 2015 and includes some changes to selling or exhibiting wildlife. Combined with SB318 on 4/13/10.

FLORIDA: Wildlife Regulation (CS/HB 709). Bans reptiles of concern after July 1, 2010 and includes some changes to selling or exhibiting wildlife. Substituted SB318 on 4/27/2010.

FLORIDA: FWC proposed rule - amend 68A-6.003 Facility and Caging Requirements. Changes include new Class I or Class II facilities to be in compliance with local building and zoning codes and submit a facility information form. Passed during September 2010 meeting.

Final Form: Captive Wildlife Facility Information Form: http://myfwc.com/docs/CommissionMeetings/2010/2010_Sep_CW_FacilityLocationInfoForm.pdf

FLORIDA: FWC proposed captive wildlife rule changes. Changes to 68A-6.0024 and 68A-6.0025 passed. Effective December 6, 2010, all facilities housing Class I wildlife must meet the $10,000 bond/$2,000,000 liability insurance requirement, not just exhibitors. All Class III hobbyist possessors defined as those keeping wildlife for personal enjoyment but occasionally exhibiting or selling such wildlife are exempt from proving sustained commercial activities.

Changes to 68A-6.0022 passed and is effective July 8, 2010. Wildlife permittees must keep a copy of Part B of the Critical Incident Disaster Plan on file and make it available for inspection upon request of the local emergency management agency where the facility is located.

Changes to 68A-6.005 passed. Effective June 7, 2010, all shipments of live wildlife require a tag with the shipper and consignee and a list of species by common and scientific name.

GEORGIA: Wild Animal Licenses; Noncommercial and educational; create (HB 1185). The bill would creates licenses for people keeping wild animals for noncommercial and educational purposes. DEAD

GEORGIA: Wild Animals; include certain reptiles; provide for a period to obtain a license (SB 303). This new law will require owners of Burmese pythons, reticulated pythons, African rock pythons, Amethystines, and green anacondas to obtain a wild animal license. Those that are over 2 inches in diameter will require a microchip. Owners who were in possession of such reptiles before July 1, 2010 have until December 31, 2010 to obtain a permit. DEAD

HAWAII: Relating to Invasive Species (HB 1684). Increases the fine for conducting activities with animals listed as prohibited or restricted without a permit to $50, 000 to a maximum of $200, 000. Signed into law 5/20/2010.

HAWAII: Department of Agriculture; Plants; Animals; Microorganisms; Fee (HB 2775 /SB 2855). Establishes a fee for processing importation and possession permits for animals and plants. Signed into law 6/23/2010.

ILLINOIS: Dangerous animals – primates (HB 4801). This state bill would ban the ownership of all nonhuman primates. People who own one before January 1, 2011 must register them with their local animal control authority. Signed into law 7/23.

INDIANA: Exotic Animals (SB 280). Makes it a Class C misdeamenor for releasing wild animals without a permit, requires those who sell 6 or more exotic reptiles a year to obtain a permit, and requires all other owners of exotic reptiles to notify the department before selling one. DEAD

INDIANA: DNR Proposed Rule: Exotic Mammal, Cervid Breeder License, Wild Hogs. Allows the taking of exotic mammals listed if they escape and are seen as an immediate threat to public safety or the health of wild animals. Clarifies rules for keeping exotic cats, wolves, bears, and cervidae. Adds rules for wild hogs. Passed during November 16, 2010 meeting.

INDIANA: DNR Technical Rule Changes: Reptiles, Amphibians, Fish, Special Licenses and Permits. Requires a vet exam within 45 days of getting a wild animal permit and defines Class I, Class II, and Class III animals. Class I are not a threat to public safety, Class II may pose a threat to public safety, Class III present a real or potential threat to public safety. Passed during May 18, 2010 meeting.

KANSAS: Prairie rattlesnakes; abolishing permit requirements (HB 2459). Will remove all permit requirements for prairie rattlesnakes, including selling and possession. Died in Committee on 5/28/10.

LOUISIANA: Requiring retailers to provide certain information to a consumer who purchases an iguana (SB 368). Requires retailers to notify consumers of iguanas about its proper care, that it carries salmonela, and that it “will grow substantially in size and will be more difficult to care for properly.” DEAD

LOUISIANA: ANIMALS: Provides relative to voluntary surrender of illegal animals to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (HB 1255). Bill will allow owners of illegal animals to surrender them without penalty, provided they surrender them before an investigation. Signed into law 6/8/2010.

LOUISIANA: Authorizes the commissioner of agriculture and forestry to establish regulations regarding exotic cervidae (SB 146). Signed into law 5/26/2010.

MARYLAND: Cecil County – Regulation of Domestic Animals (HB 729/SB 729). This bill will give Cecil County the authority to regulate hybrids. Passed the House but failed in the Senate - DEAD.

MICHIGAN: Definition of a service animal; revise (HB 5812). Changes the definition from “guide or leader dog, hearing dog, or service dog” to “service animal”. DEAD

MICHIGAN: Ownership or possession of nonhuman primates as pets; prohibit under certain circumstances and provide penalty (HB 5762). Bans all nonhuman primates as pets. DEAD

MICHIGAN: Taking or possessing of raptors for falconry; allow department to issue permits (SB 1288). Creates a license to take or possess raptors for falconry purposes. Signed into law 5/27/2010.

MISSOURI: Large Carnivore Act (HB 1288/SB 832). Requires owners of all large cats and hybrids and bears to obtain a permit, microchip the large carnivore, keep $250,000 in insurance, and post signs stating “"A potentially dangerous large carnivore is kept on this property." Only the owner, handler, or designated vet may have contact with them. Passed under SB795. Signed into law 7/9/2010.

MISSOURI: Proposes a constitutional amendment affirming the right to raise animals in a humane manner (HJR 86). Turned into livestock bill

MISSOURI: Proposes a constitutional amendment affirming the right to raise animals in a humane manner (HB 1825). DEAD

NEW JERSEY: Remove monk parakeet from list of potentially dangerous species (A 454). Carried into 2011 Session

NEW MEXICO: Proposed Importation Rule for 2010. The New Mexico Game and Fish has established new rules for importation of nondomestic species. Approved on 8/3/10.

NEW YORK: Exempt cats considered hybrids from the definition of wildlife (A4796). Removes the percentage requirement for hybrid cats. DEAD

NEW YORK: Prohibits the ownership, possession or harboring of a wild animal or reptile (A 7935). Dead.

OHIO: Agreement. Governor Strickland, HSUS, Farm Bureau signed an agreement that would ban the possession of large cats, wolves, bears, non-human primates (monkeys, apes, gorillas etc), crocodilians, venomous snakes, and large constrictor snakes. Final signature obtained on 7/27/2010.

OKLAHOMA: Game and fish; defining terms; prohibiting certain transactions and actions involving certain animals; providing penalty (SB 1798). An act banning possession of the large cat species, bears and nonhuman primates. DIED in committee on 2/15/10.

OKLAHOMA: Dangerous Animals Act (HB 2713). Shell bill. DEAD

OREGON: Adopt Rules Related to Wolves Held in Captivity. Oregon DFW: Would allow the 5 current permit holders to continue to own gray wolves but would ban any future permits. Passed on 4/23/10.

RHODE ISLAND: DEM Rules and Regulations Governing the Importation and Possession of Exotic Wild Animals. Proposed changes create separate wild and exotic animal definitions, creates separate domestic animal, exotic wild animal, and exempt exotic wild animal categories with a clear list of animals, requires a permit for all non native amphibians, and requires all permit applicants to write a letter stating the animal does not create a threat to native species. Passed

RHODE ISLAND: Importation of wild animals (S 2027). Bans possession of alligators, crocodiles, pythons, and boa constrictors. Withdrawn at sponsor’s request 3/2/10.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Regulation of venomous reptiles, constricting snakes, and crocodilians… (HB4218). This bill requires owners of crocodilians, venomous snakes and lizards and large constrictors to keep the animals in escape proof and bite proof containers with proper labeling, including what to do in case someone is bitten, safety protocols, and escape recovery plans. DEAD

TENNESSEE: Requires owners of dangerous, vicious, and wild animals to secure minimal liability insurance (HB 2497/SB 3239). Requires $15,000 of liability insurance. DEAD

TENNESSEE: Clarifies enclosure requirements for Class I wildlife (HB 3619/SB 3509). Specifies minimal acreage required, etc. DEAD

TENNESSEE: Authorizes representatives of certified animal control agencies to inspect Class I wildlife, facilities, and records (HB 3554/SB 3508). Will allow county animal control agencies to inspect Class I wildlife facilities during reasonable hours without a warrant. DEAD

UTAH: Monkeys as pets (HB 376). This is a shell bill to legalize monkeys as pets. DEAD

UTAH: Wildlife Licenses, Certificates, or Permit Amendments (HB 31). The Wildlife Board may establish other reasons to refund a wildlife license, certificate or permit fee. Signed into Law 3/29/2010.

VERMONT: Allowing the importation of elephants (H468). Allows importation of elephants for a period not exceeding 30 days. DEAD

VERMONT: An act relating to the welfare of animals commonly kept as household pets (HB 768). Requires wolf hybrids be accompanied with a health certificate when being imported into the state for sale, resale, exchange or donation. Removes NHP from the definition of animal for this chapter. DEAD

VIRGINIA: Ownership of primates; penalty (SB 570). Ban all ownership of nonhuman primates after July 1, 2010. Current owners must register them with the local animal control by January 1, 2011. DEAD

WASHINGTON: Service animals, prohibiting discrimination in certain real estate and dwelling transactions against persons using (HB 2438). DEAD

WASHINGTON: Service animals in training (SB 5103). This bill would include service animals in training to the definition of service animals. DEAD

WASHINGTON: Service animal training, attendance by state agency employees with sensory disabilities (EHB 1965). Allows disabled people employed by the state time off to receive training for a new service animal. DEAD

WASHINGTON: Relating to falconry (SB 6644). Creates a falconry permit. DEAD

WASHINGTON: Wolf-hybrid classified as a potentially dangerous wild animal (SSB 5383). Bans wolf hybrids by declaring them potentially dangerous wild animals with grandfather clause. DEAD

LOCAL

CALIFORNIA:

Palos Verdes – Revise exotic animal keeping regulations. Someone proposed a motion that exotic animals be allowed in areas other than RS-1 and RS-2 zones. Motion died due to lack of second on January 5, 2010.

Sacramento – Animal Exhibitors Permits. Creates new permits and requirements for commercial animal exhibitors. Passed on July 20, 2010.

Santa Paula: Regulation of Animals (Ord. 1224). Creates a permit system for exotic animals. Passed February 16, 2010.

http://www.ci.santa-paula.ca.us/Minutes/2010/10cc02_16.pdf

COLORADO:

Fort Morgan – Animal Regulations. Bans wild and exotic animals banned by the state and require catteries be in business or industrial district under special use. Passed.

GEORGIA:

Newnan – Animal Control ordinance. New animal control ordinance would ban all exotic and wild animals with a grandfather clause. Animals include potbellied pigs, alligators, crocodiles, nondomestic cats and hybrids, nondomestic dogs and hybrids, nonhuman primates, bears and arachnids. Passed on February 9, 2010.

http://www.ci.newnan.ga.us/images/stories/agendas/2010.02.09%20Agenda.pdf

http://www.ci.newnan.ga.us/images/stories/agendas/2010.02.22%20Agenda.pdf

ILLINOIS:

Orland Park – Animal Control Ordinance. New animal control ordinance would ban exotic pets. Passed 11/1/10.

Wood Dale – Proposed an exotic animal ordinance. Council stated that IL already has a law prohibiting it and dismissed the ordinance on 5/27/2010 - DEAD.

http://wooddale.com/vertical/Sites/%7B5761651C-A09D-42AD-8BE8-CA3429A6CB98%7D/uploads/%7BA6B3E97A-1841-4F9E-B624-1FB2723F1E52%7D.PDF

INDIANA:

Logansport – bans future ownership of exotics after July 6, 2010. Current one grandfathers. Exemption for those with state permit? Passed on 7/6/2010.

LaPorte – Dangerous Animals Ordinance. Bans ownership of listed dangerous animals. Passed 12/20/2010.

Montgomery County – To ban wolf dog and coy dog hybrids. Passed 9/23/10.

http://www.montgomeryco.net/egov/docs/1279199381873.htm

Worthington – Bans exotic animals within 150 feet of any property. Passed 9/14/10

MICHIGAN:

Robinson Township: Revise zoning code to prohibit exotic animals. Exotic animals include nonhuman primates, venomous cold-blooded reptiles, poisonous animals, constrictor snakes 3 feet or longer, wild or exotic cats including bobcats, cheetahs, lions, panthers and tigers, nondomesticated carnivores like bears and wolves, sharks, ostriches or emu, poisonous spiders and insects, elephants, camels, wild animals like skunks, raccoons, deer, and badgers, gamecocks and other fighting birds or fowl, and any animal that is predominately wolf or coyote. Proposed revisions would ban exotic animals in all zoning districts unless a special use request is approved by the township. Passed in December 2009.

MINNESOTA:

Coon Rapids – would clarify species that may or may not be kept within city limits. Would remove the exemption for those with 5 acres or more. Passed 9/21/10.

http://www.ci.coon-rapids.mn.us/citycode/06-0500.pdf

Pipestone – Discussing wild or exotic animal law. Passed 11/1/10.

Shoreview - Wild animal code. Proposed code would set regulations for falconry and allow exotic animals to be kept with a permit by zoos, pet hospitals, exhibitions and research institutes, and as pets if continually kept indoors. Passed May 2010.

MISSISSIPPI:

Hinds County: Requires owners of wolf hybrids and exotic animals to obtain a permit from the Sheriff’s Department and liability insurance. Passed 6/21/2010.

MISSOURI:

Kirksville – Proposing dangerous animal ban. Meeting on January 3, 2011.

MONTANA:

Darby – Regulating Animals (Ord 147). Create a permit system for wild and exotic animals. Unknown status

NEVADA:

Washoe County – Exotic Animal permit holder disaster preparedness. Discussion of requiring a disaster plan for kennel, cattery, and exotic animal permit holders. New regulations call for ban on primates and felines. Animal Control Board met on December 27, 2010 and is continuing discussions into 2011.

NEW HAMPSHIRE:

Northwood – Wild or exotic Animals. States that it will enforce state laws. Public hearing held August 24, 2010. Unknown status

NEW YORK:

Albany – Introduced ordinance to ban shows with exotic animals. Referred to Law, Buildings, Code Enforcement Committee in November 11, 2010 agenda. Unknown status

NORTH CAROLINA:

Alamance County – Is considering a ban. Board of Health held meeting 8/16/10. Unknown status

Burke County: Animal Control Ordinance. Ordinance will ban all exotics with a grandfather clause. Current ones must be spayed/neutered or will be confiscated and destroyed. Passed January 2010. Effective March 1, 2010.

Greensboro – Drafting an animal ordinance that would define exotic animals as anything not indigenous to the US, which would include many species as there is no exemption for domestic animals. Unknown status

Guilford County – Bans inherently dangerous animals, which are bears, all felines over 15 pounds and hybrids, and all canines, and require a permit for all other exotic animals. Exempt from the ban are USDA research facilities, traveling fairs, circuses, and carnivals, and those in possession of one before 1990. Passed 10/28/10. Effective 1/1/11.

http://www.co.guilford.nc.us/gheh_cms/animal%20control/downloads/Animal-Control-Ordinance-10-28-10-Final.pdf?infobase=12052&doc_action=whatsnew

Henderson County – Prohibition of possession of Inherently Dangerous or wild animals. Bans ownership of nondomestic cats, dogs, bears, and their hybrids except USDA licensees. Passed August 2, 2010.

http://www.hendersoncountync.org/agendas/August%202,%202010/DI.E.pdf

OREGON:

Hillsboro: Proposed Exotic Animal Ordinance. Passed on November 16, 2010. Effective December 16, 2010.

http://www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/Planning/CityAnimalReview.aspx?g1dd=8&g2dd=4#SecondRoundOpenHouses

PENNSYLVANIA:

Bangor: Will remove the pet limit (currently only allows 3) and will not limit the type of animals one can own (makes exotic pets legal). Passed on April 12, 2010.

Coaldale: Ban the trade, selling, adoption, exchange or transfer of wild and exotic animals. Current owners have 45 days to get a permit from the zoning office and a nonconforming status. Ferrets are allowed if they are descented, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, leashed or caged when outdoors, and not bred. Pot belly pigs are allowed if they are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and not bred. One service animal is also permitted. Passed on January 12, 2010.

OHIO:

Columbus: Board of Health considering new exotic pet rules. Unknown status

OKLAHOMA:

Edmond: Prohibition of wild and exotic animals. During 2/24/10 council meeting the ordinance was postponed indefinitely for further study.

http://edmondok.com/docs/city_council/meeting_agendas_and_minutes/2010/02_24_2010_minutes.pdf

PENNSYLVANIA:

Bernville – Talking about fines for permit violations for exotic animals and livestock, including losing your permit after the 3rd violation. Meeting to be held in November. Unknown status

SOUTH CAROLINA:

Horry County – Plans to update the exotic animal ordinance. Unknown

SOUTH CAROLINA:

Ravenswood: Requires owners of exotic animals to get a license. Passed July 6, 2010.

TEXAS:

Irving: Animal Services Ordinance. Bans the keeping of dangerous wild animals. Currently have permits for prohibited animals, which are divided into classes. Took public comments 7/12/2010. Unknown

Laredo: Proposed animal ordinance to add a new section dangerous wild animals. Tabled by council. Unknown

http://www.ci.laredo.tx.us/city-council/council-activities/council-agendas/2010Agendas/PDF/2010-R-02.pdf

TEXAS:

Hutto: (Ord. 10-003-00). Require written permission from Chief of police to own an exotic animal. Passed March 4, 2010.

http://www.huttotx.gov/archives/31/Minutes%20Mar%204,%202010%20Council%20Meeting.pdf

VIRGINIA:

Louisa: Exotic Pet Ordinance. Will specify transportation and housing requirements and require owners to get a permit. Passed during September 21, 2010 meeting.

http://www.louisatown.org/town/announcements.htm

http://www.louisatown.org/minutes/September21-2010minutes.pdf

WASHINGTON:

Snohomish: Revises list of banned exotic animals to just include those banned by the state. Passed September 2010.

http://www.ci.snohomish.wa.us/Code/07-04Animals.PDF

WISCONSIN:

Beloit: Clarifies which species are banned. Passed October 2010.

Blanchardville: Discussing changes to reptile/exotic animal laws. Had meeting June 7, 2010. Unknown

Monroe County: Keeping of certain restricted animals. Proposed ban. Unknown

Laws and Regulations Regarding Exotic/Wild Animals

Many states have outlawed owning exotic/wild animals, this will probably increase in time. Check with your state, county, city, and communities to find if owning an exotic pet is legal. Home Owners Associations may prohibit them. Ownership can be regulated by any level of government. Should you decide to still obtain an animal in a state that does not allow it, you will find yourself with a broken heart when they come and have the animal removed from your home. ALWAYS FOLLOW STATE AND COUNTY REGULATIONS!!!

The best way to be sure is to contact the enforcement officer of the Division of Wildlife, or Fish and Game Department for your state, and ask them where you can find your state's ANIMAL ORDINANCE. I would not mention that you want an exotic. Simply ask to see the ordinance. If the state does not prohibit them, then move to your county and ask the animal control officer the same question. Always get their response in writing, whether for or against ownership. ZONING LAWS, such as commercial or residential classification, may also put set guidelines and hamper ownership. Although a certain city may not ban exotics as a whole, they may regulate where in the city you can house them. For example, some cities ban "wild animals" in commercial/residential areas, and allow them only in agriculturally zoned or rural areas.

Below is the contact information for each state’s Wildlife department. It is YOUR responsibility to contact them and find out what the legal requirements are in your state. Laws are constantly changing so please call even though our web site says they are legal. If it says there is No Regulation you MUST still contact your county to check local legality. This list was last updated April 2009. NOTE: When traveling with a primate or other exotic animal a Health Certificate is required for entry in all states, as well as a travel/entry permit.

States are listed in Alphabetical order. (Laws for other Countries are after the US State by State laws)

Alabama
BANS “any canidae or felidae for which there is no USDA licensed rabies vaccine” except zoos, circuses, colleges and universities, USDA animal refuges, local humane shelters, the Department, and veterinary clinics (Alabama Code 3-8-1).

BANS exotic venomous reptiles except accredited educational, research, and rehabilitation

(Administrative Code 220-2.26 (7))

Division of Fish and Game
Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources (334) 243-3465
Wildlife and Freshwater Fish Wildlife Section (334)242-3469
Dept. of Agricultural (USDA)
Animal Industries (334) 240-7255
Animal Care (334) 396-9808

Alaska
Bans live game or a hybrid of live game as pets – wolf dogs legal with permit along with feline hybrids 4 generations or more removed

Issues permits for temporary (max 120 days) commercial use of exotic game for circuses, traveling animal shows, film productions, or similar purposes

(5 Alaska Admin Code 92.029, 92.035)

BANS venomous reptiles and insects except educational purposes

(Alaska Statutes Section 16.05.921)

Dept. of Fish and Game (907)465-4190 or 465-4100

Arizona
BANS restricted live wildlife as pets

Issue licenses for other purposes

(12 Arizona Admin Code Ch. 4, Art. 4)

State Permit for Great Apes only (require being bonded)
Game and Fish Dept. (602) 942-3000 or 942-4006

Arkansas
BANS cougars and large carnivores except cougars held under a current breeder/dealer permit or mountain lion permit (for cougars possessed before 9/30/07) and large carnivores (tigers, African lions, hybrids, and bears) owned on 8/12/2005 with exemptions

Issues Wildlife breeder/dealer permits for breeding and selling wildlife, including exotics

(20 Arkansas Code Ch. 19, Subch.5; G&F Code 15.2, 15.34, 15.40)

Have special requirements for wolf hybrids

(20 Arkansas Code Ch. 19, Subch.4)

Other exotics LEGAL if proven free of disease

(G&F Code 15.2)

Dept. of Fish and Game (501) 223-6300 or 223-6359

California
BANS restricted species as pets

Issues permits for commercial purposes

(14 CA Code 671-671.7; Div. 1, Sub. 2, Sec 251.5; CA Fish & Game Code Div. 3, Ch. 2)

Dept. of Fish and Game (916)653-6420

Colorado
BAN
Only animals listed as exempt or domestic may be kept as pets

Unlisted species may be kept for other purposes with a Commercial Wildlife Park License, Non-Commercial Wildlife Park License, or Wildlife Sanctuary License

Non-commercial Wildlife Park License is also used for exotic mammals owned by January 1, 1983 and any offspring of such mammals

(Colorado Statutes 33-4-102 (13), (14); 2 Colorado Code of Regs 406-1102, 406-1104)

Venomous snakes may only be held under a commercial wildlife park license

Division of Wildlife (303)297-1192 or 291-7440

Connecticut
BANS potentially dangerous wild animals (all felines and hybrids except certain Bengal cats, all canines, bears, and great apes) except for municipal parks, zoos and nature centers, museums, and research facilities (Connecticut Statutes Ch. 490 Sec. 26-40a-f)

Other species such as primates are reported to be banned except primates less than 35 pounds owned before 2010

Dept. of Environmental Protection (806)424-3011

Delaware
State Permit System

Delaware passed new regulations on exotic animals in 2010. For full regulations, click here.

Division of Fish and Wildlife (302)739-5295 or 739-5297

********

Florida
State Permit System-Great Apes, large carnivores and other large animals banned as personal pets. Permits required for all others in Class II and Class III.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (904)488-3641 or 488-6253
Main FWC Page click on licenses/permits then Wildlife Dealers, Importers, Owners & Exhibitors
Main Permits Page
Standard Caging Requirements for Captive Wildlife (Rule: 68A-6.004) You must click on the word icon to open regulations. Captive Wildlife Critical Incident-Disaster Plan

The state of FL has one of the most comprehensive laws in the country. Class III animals require that the applicant be 16 years old, a husbandry form, a permit application, a contingency plan form, and structural caging requirements be met. Class III animals include Squirrel Monkeys, Marmosets, and Tamarins. Capuchins, wooly, and spider monkeys are Class III animals, BUT require the regulations of class II animals be followed except land, perimeter fence, and buffer zone requirements.
Class II animals require:
-Applicant must be at least 18 years old - 1,000 hours of documented experience listing the date, time, place, species, and type of experience gained during that time. (Up to 500 hours may be substituted by zoology courses. If the applicant is unable to document experience, as an alternative, the applicant may take a two-part written examination. The successful completion of a written examination for the particular species or family administered by the Division of Law Enforcement, together with the documentation of not less than 100 hours of substantial practical experience may substitute for the 900 hours.)
- 2 letters of recommendation from persons knowing you have said experience (1 being licensed).
- Permit Application
- Husbandry form
- Disaster/contingency plan form
-Land: The facility shall not be constructed on less than two and one-half contiguous acres of property owned or leased by the applicant. -Perimeter Fence: The cages of the facility shall be bounded by a fence not less than 8 feet in height, constructed of not less than 11 ½ gauge chain link or strength equivalent, or as an alternative, a fence of not less than six feet in height, with a two foot, 45 degree inward angle overhang. The inward angle fencing and vertical fencing shall be constructed of 11 ½ gauge chain link or strength equivalent. This fencing is to prevent the escape from the property of any wildlife that may escape from primary caging. - Meet all structural caging requirements for each species, as well as any other specifications such as nest boxes, and enrichment items.
-Buffer one: The facility shall contain a “buffer zone” of not less than 35 feet between the caged wildlife and the facility property line.
NOTE: Florida is unique in that ONLY Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission can ban/regulate exotics and other wildlife in the state. No county in Florida can ban private possession of wild/exotic animals. FWC has sole jurisdiction. They can only regulate their enclosures. All enclosures housing animals must meet the city's/county's building codes.
(Florida Admin Code 68A – 6; 28 Florida Statutes 379.231, 379.303 to 305, 379.372 to 374, 379.3761 to 3762, 379.4015)
**********
Georgia
BANNED-BANS all wild animals classified as inherently dangerous or regulated animals as pets

Summary of Native Wildlife as Pets Summary of Exotic Animals as Pets

Requires a wild animal license or permit for all other purposes – license is for wholesale or retail wild animal businesses or exhibitors, permit is for scientific or educational purposes or a capuchin service animal

(GA Code Ann. 27-5)
Other permits: $5000 Wild Animal Auction License (one time wild animal auction - GA Code Ann. 27-5), Exhibition permits, Rehabilitation permits (releasable animals - GA Rules & Regs. 391-4-9.03, 391-4-9.04), and Bird Dealer’s License (exotic and pet birds - GA Code Ann. 4-10)

Dept. of Natural Resources
Game and Fish Division (404)656-0778 or 656-35-3523

Hawaii
BANNED (Require being bonded)

Classifies into 4 categories for importation and possession: Conditionally Approved Species (pets, businesses, institutions), Restricted Species Part A for research and exhibition (also scientific or medical purposes), Restricted Species Part B for private and commercial use (private is not pets and primates only for Part A purposes or sanctuaries) and Prohibited Species (completely banned)

(Hawaii Admin Rules 4-71, 4-29; Hawaii Rev. Statutes Ch. 150A)

Land and Natural Resources (808)587-0377 or 5448-2681

Idaho
Requires possession permit for deleterious exotic animals (all exotic canines, certain felines, all nonhuman primates, and others) but only allows breeding for SSP

Issues Temporary Exhibitor Permit for traveling exhibitions in state for up to 30 days

For full rules, click here.

Fish and Game Dept.(208) 334-3736 or 327-7025

Illinois
BANS dangerous animals and primates except a zoological park, USDA exhibit, circus, scientific or educational institution, or research laboratory, veterinary hospital, hound running area or animal refuge

(720 Illinois Revised Statutes 585)
Dept. of Conservation (217)782-7305 or 782-2965

Indiana
Requires permits for listed wildlife with exceptions

Special Purpose Educational Permit for educational displays

(312 Indiana Admin Code 9-5-8, 9-10-9.5, 9-11)

State permit for Great Apes only
Division of Fish and Wildlife (317)232-4080 or 232-4040

Iowa
BANNED
BANS dangerous wild animals with exceptions

Grandfathers those registered by 12/31/07 and microchipped by 9/1/07

(Iowa Code 717F 1-13; Iowa Admin Code 21-77.1 to 21-77.14)

Dept. of National Resources (515)281-4508 or 281-5638

Kansas
BANS dangerous regulated animals which are lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, mountain lions, bears, hybrids, and non-native venomous snakes with exceptions

Grandfathers those owned 10/1/06 that meet the caging requirements in 115-20-5

Those other than the owner that care for such species needs to register as a Designated Handler

(Kansas Statutes Ch. 32 Art. 13; Kansas Admin Code 115-20-6)

Dept. of Wildlife and Parks (316)671-5911

Kentucky
BANNED
BANS inherently dangerous wildlife and other exotic wildlife with exemptions

Grandfathers those owned 7/13/05

(Kentucky Rev. Statutes 65.877; 301 Kentucky Admin Regs 2:082 Sec. 3 (2))

BANS other prohibited exotics with the same exemptions as above

Ferret Permit is to keep ferrets obtained from the wild as pets or for purposes other than hunting (Kentucky Rev. Statutes 150.355)

All other exotics do not require a permit for possession

(301 Kentucky Admin Regs 2:082 Sec. 3 (1))

BANS prohibited native wildlife with exemptions and only allows importing coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and skunks by those exempt

Other native wildlife requires either a commercial or noncommercial captive wildlife permit

(301 Kentucky Admin Regs. 2:081)

Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources (502)564-4224 or 564-3176

Louisiana
BANNED
BANS dangerous wild quadrupeds (black, grizzly and polar bears and red and gray wolves), big exotic cats (cougars and up and their hybrids) and nonhuman primates with exemptions

One service monkey and primates owned April 6, 2006 are exempt under a Nonhuman Primate Permit with annual testing, along with big exotic cats owned August 15, 2006 under a permit

Wolf hybrids are legal

(Louisiana Admin Code 76:116)

Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries (504)765-2800 or 765-2821

Maine
BANS native or exotic wildlife not on the list of unrestricted species as pets

Issues permits for other purposes

Primates other than service monkeys and deer, bears, moose, and wild turkeys are banned for Possession or Propagation Permits

Regulations can be found here.

(7 Maine Rev. Statutes 1809; 12 Maine Rev. Statutes 12152-12159; Maine Rules 09-137 Ch.

Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (207)287-2571 or 289-3651

Maryland
BANNED
BANS dangerous animals with exemptions

(Maryland Statutes Criminal Code 10-621; Maryland Statutes Health Code 18-217 to 18-222)

BANS venomous reptiles as pets

Native reptiles/amphibians require Captive Reptile and Amphibian Permit

Turtles require a caution notice

(Maryland Reg. 08.03.11, 10.06.01.23; Maryland Statutes 4-902)

Dept. of Natural Resources (410)260-8540

Massachusetts
BANNEDBANS wildlife including hybrids (except TICA or CFA registered feline hybrids at least 4 generations) not on the exempt or domesticated list as pets

Issues licenses for others purposes

(321 Code Mass. Regulations 2.12, 2.13, 2.15; Mass. Gen. Laws 131-19A, 131-23, 131-25 to 131-26, 131-77a)
Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (617)727-3151

Michigan
BANS large Carnivores with exemptions (MCL 287.1101- 287.1123)

BANS wolf-dogs with exemptions (MCL 287.1001- 287.1023)

Regulates ferrets under the Ferret Act (MCL 287.891- 287.901).
Dept. of Natural Resources, Wildlife Division (517)373-1263

Minnesota
BANNED
BANS regulated animals (all felines except TICA or CFA registered hybrids, bears, nonhuman primates and hybrids) with exemptions

Grandfather those owned 1/1/05 that are registered

(Minnesota Statutes 346.155)
BANS skunks except for zoos, circuses or other shows, or scientific or educational institutions (Minnesota Statutes 145.365)
Dept. of Natural Resources (612)296-4507 or 296-3344

Missouri
Requires registration of dangerous animals with the local law enforcement agency with exemptions (Missouri Rev. Statutes 578.005, 578.007, 578.023).
New Large Carnivore Act (starts 578-600) requires permit for certain large felines and bears
BANS skunks and requires permit for other native wildlife (divided into Class I and Class II)

A detailed summary regarding captive native wildlife can be found here.
NOTE: It is illegal to release, steal or injure animals from animal facilities, damage property, obtain access to a facility under false pretenses to perform acts not authorized by the facility, or steal or alter records (Missouri Rev. Statutes 578.407)

Mississippi
Requires permit for inherently dangerous animals - Personal Possession Permit (non commercial) or Temporary Exhibitor Permit (less than 30 days)

(49 Mississippi Code Ch. 8)
Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (601)364-2214 or 364-2022

Montana
Exotic wildlife is classified into prohibited (BANNED), controlled (requires permit), and noncontrolled (no permit)
(Montana Admin Rules 12-6-22; MCA 87-5-7)

Issues roadside menagerie, wild animal menagerie (required for large cats and bears for purposes other than exhibition) and zoo permits

(MCA 87-4-8; Montana Admin Rules 12-6-13)
Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (406)444-2950 ot 444-2535

Nebraska
BANS wolves, skunks, all felines, and all bears with exemptions

(Nebraska Rev. Statutes 37-477 (2))
Game and Parks Commission (402)471-5462 or 464-0641

Nevada
BANS species listed in NAC 503.110 with exemptions
Issues Commercial or Noncommercial Live Wildlife License for rest
No permits needed for species in NAC 503.140

(NRS 503.590, 504.295, 504.540 to 504.488; NAC 503.108 to 503.140)
Dept. of Wildlife (702)688-1500 or 688-1549

New Hampshire
BANNED
Classified as non-controlled (no permit), controlled (permit needed), or prohibited (banned) with separate lists for possession, importation, and release. Unlisted species are controlled. Non-controlled and Category 1 controlled may be kept as pets. For more information, click here.

(NH RSA 207.14, 207.15A; NH Code Admin R Fis 800)

Summary of Reptile and Amphibian rules

(NH Code Admin. R Fis 811, Agr 1703)
BANS sale of wolf hybrids less than 5 generations removed, but may be temporarily imported for competitive events if altered

(NH Admin R Agr 3100; NH RSA 466-A)
Require permit for out of state persons passing through to other state.
Fish and Game Dept. (603)271-3421 or 271-2461

New Jersey
BANNED
Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife (609)984-0839 or 292-6685

New Mexico
BANNED
Dept. of Game and Fish (505)827-7934

New York
BANNED- Grandfathered animals must be registered
Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Division of Fish and Wildlife (518)457-3400 or 439-7635

North Carolina
No Regulation- Various counties have bans
Wildlife Resources Commission (919)62-4370 or 733-7291

North Dakota
State Permit System
Game and Fish Dept. (701)221-6335

Ohio
No regulation- Pending state permit system proposed
Dept. of Natural Resources (614)265-6300 or 265-7027

Oklahoma
State Permit System
Dept. of Wildlife Conservation (405)521-3851 or 521-2739

Oregon
Banned- Effective January ist 2010
State Permit System For Grandfathered animals. Permits may be given up to Jan 1, 2011 on special case basis. Animals can not be replaced.
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (541)872-5260

Pennsylvania
State Permit System
Game Commission (717)782-4250 or 7875740

Rhode Island
State Permit System
Division of Fish and Wildlife (401)277-3576 or 789-3094

South Carolina
No Regulation
Wildlife and Marine Resources Division (803)734-3833 or 734-3888

South Dakota
No Regulation
Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks (605)773-3485 or 773-3381

Tennessee
APES & BABOONS BANNED
Wildlife Resources Agency (615)781-6585 or 781-6610

Texas
State Permit for Great Apes, and Baboons Only- Many counties have bans on exotics.
Parks and Wildlife Dept. (512)389-4419 or 389-4822

Utah
Banned as per law (R657-3)
www.wildlife.utah.gov
Division of Wildlife Resources (801) 538-4701

Vermont
BANNED
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (802)244-7331

Virginia
PERMIT FOR GREAT APES ONLY
Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries (804)367-1000

Washington
BANNED
Dept. of Wildlife (206)753-5719 or 753-5728

West Virginia
No Regulation
Dept. of Natural Resources (304)558-2758 or 348-2771

Wisconsin
No Regulation
Dept. of Natural Resources (608)266-2621 or 267-7857

Wyoming
BANNED
Game and Fish Dept. (307)777-4530 or 777-4582

COUNTRIES OTHER THAN U.S.

United Kingdom
The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) enacted the Dangerous Wild Animal Act of 1976, which was amended in 2007. This act does not appear to ban possesion of wild animals, BUT requires those who own them to have a license. The smaller primate species (Genera Aotus, Callicebus and Saimiri which are owl monkeys, titi monkeys, and Squirrel monkeys) are exempted and do not require a license. A licence is required for ALL other primates including Capuchin, spider, woolly, etc.

Main DEFRA page on Dangerous Wild Animal Act of 1976
Schedule of "Dangerous Wild Animals" which Require a Permit
Licenses will be given by local authorities. Where the local authority grant a licence it shall impose conditions on the licence covering issues such as:
-a requirement that the animal be kept only by a person or persons named on the license;
-restrictions on the movement of the animal from the premises as specified on the licence; and
-a requirement that the license holder has a current insurance policy which ensures both license holders and others against any liability caused by the animal.

Animal Welfare Act 2006- Owners of Animals must Follow the regulations set forth in the Animal Welfare Act 2006.