Surprise! But not every state is keen on allowing hedgehogs. Three monkeys belonging to Wendelin Ringel, whose state veterinary license was revoked in 2009, were handed over to state Fish and Wildlife wardens Tuesday after one of the monkeys, a capuchin named Baby G, bit a woman outside a Cherry Valley pizzeria Sunday. Theyre permitted in some places, forbidden in others.. Her operation, which sells zebras and camels, does not have any state-permit-required animals, but Ferraro said training in specialized care always is the priority for unusual stock. Advocates say they can be wonderful pets, while opponents argue that theyre unpredictable, untrainable and inherently dangerous. In other cases, some animals are off-limits because of the threat they pose to public safety. We prayed for days and nights and God heard our prayers and responded with Mr. Ambrosio Rodriquez 2022 The Rodriguez Law Group - Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney. So itbans the animal completely, citing the threat to native fish, wildlife, agriculture, and public health and safety.
While monkeys are allowed as pets in neighboring Arizona and Nevada (with a license in the former), they are illegal to keep as pets in California. But if youve always dreamed of having your own bat cave or working on your echolocation skills, youll have a tough time in the United States. This could be because of the large, aviary-like space they require. States includingAlaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Wyoming prohibit private ownership of wolf hybrids. Life gets more exciting when you live on the wild side. Some say hedgehogsnocturnal nature makes them unsuitable for human entertainment and companionship. Some of these are owned by trained professionals. Even if youre dying to have a marmoset on your shoulder in the U.S., we heavily advise against it. De Atley is a Cal State Long Beach graduate with a double major in journalism and political science. The state of California is not only famous for being among the leading states with the best animal protection laws but also for its tough laws on exotic pets. It goes so far as to quarantine even domesticated cats and dogs when they first enter the state. but also for its tough laws on exotic pets. Reptiles Magazine notes the Tokay gecko is common in pet stores across the U.S., even ones that dont specialize in exotic pets. These rodents have sharp nails and teeth and will eat anything including furniture, junk food, wallpapers, walls, and even their own waste. Surprise! Although it is legal to have a pet raccoon in only 16 states in the U.S., California is not one of them. Prairie dogs are considered exotic animals and owning them in California and most other states is illegal. Skunks should be considered illegal until verified otherwise, PetHelpful advisespotential owners. For one, some of the animals on this list, if they escaped into the wild, could cause serious damage to the states native wildlife. Asurprising number of statesdo allow fennec foxes. How Do Smart Start Interlock Devices Work? While they are legal in just about every other state in the country, so far they have been unable to find a warm welcome in the Golden State. They are typically captured directly from the wild. Surprisingly, these little bundles of quills are controversial among animal experts and animal activists. And ultimately, they are predators with very sharp teeth even if theyre small. You could also be forced to pay the cost to remove and store the animal.
Every state has its quirky laws that, at their best make for good trivia, and at their worst can be a real headache for residents. The main reason prairie dogs are illegal in California is to protect public health & safety, wildlife, and other natural resources. That can result in habitat loss in their native Sahara and North Africa. And often, they have their back teeth painfully removed. Ferrets are among the most popular pets in the United States, and there has been intensive but unsuccessful lobbying to legalize ferrets in the state. If you are wondering why these super-cute critters with long necks arent allowed, you guessed it, its because of the threat they pose to natural wildlife if they escape. Ferrets are arguably the most popular pet that is forbidden in California. Some of the animals on Californias banned-as-pets list are familiar: alligators, raccoons, skunks, hedgehogs, chipmunks and squirrels. And some states, including Pennsylvania, Texas, and Montana, allow it if the person obtains a permit. Bengal cat owners have petitioned the agency to consider their animals a domestic breed because these domestic cats are many generations removed from the wild Asian leopard cat. Baby G is in a mandatory six-month rabies quarantine, and the other two monkeys, another capuchin and a tamarin, were impounded because Ringel could not produce permits allowing her to own the animals, according to authorities. Hedgehog Central, a site that advocates for the understanding and enjoyment of these creatures, also reports Pennsylvania forbids private ownership. Joe Camp, whose private Jungle Exotics reserve in Devore makes animals available for movies and television, has been a trainer and caretaker of monkeys and chimpanzees since 1975. The one on the list that has advocates and opponents bristling with the kind of fervor usually reserved for issues such as taxes and health care is the ferret. The nocturnal animals have quills that can penetrate the skin and transmit diseases such as Salmonella and ringworm to humans. In most states, alligators are best left to golf courses and wild marshes, not your backyard. Full List of All Illegal Pets in California (2021 Update). Is It Legal to Have a Pet Raccoon? Civil fine of between $5,000 and $10,000 plus the cost of the animals removal, storage, and care. Like every other animal in the Order Insectivora (including shares and moles), they are banned because of the damage they can cause to wildlife if they escape. So its not surprising weve gotten creative with our choice of animals. You also need totake full liability for owning such a creature. All Rights Reserved. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. Ferrets are illegal in California, but many people still keep them as pets. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment explains all 18 species of penguins are protected. Your email address will not be published. While maximum penalties are rarely enforced, they include a fine of anywhere from $500-$10,000. States including California, Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, and Maine also prohibit residents from keeping these little animals as pets. On the topic of hybrid animals, wolf hybrids also count as exotic pets many states dont want their residents to keep. We have an African serval, a bobcat that was declawed and several raccoons that people tried to raise, and a golden eagle that was confiscated, said Christy McGiveron, lead keeper at the Moonridge Animal Park in Big Bear. According to the California Fish and Game Code, its illegal to keep as a pet any animal the department considers to pose a threat to public health and safety, native wildlife, or agriculture. According to the California Fish and Game Code, its illegal to keep as a pet any animal the department considers to pose a threat to public health and safety, native wildlife, or agriculture. Nevada, Wisconsin, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina each have lax laws when it comes to pet ownership. You might think anyone willing to have a skunk in their home has gone off the deep end. Your email address will not be published. Who is getting really sick? , California is not one of them. As The Bark notes, the average dog owner isnt fully prepared for the demands of the animal. The American Bar Association reports the exotic pet trade is worth between $10 billion and $15 billion in the U.S. alone. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some of the animals end up at rehabilitation facilities or at zoos, which can keep them if they cannot be returned to the wild. If you are facing criminal charges, call a criminal lawyer with a proven track record. California, a state known for its strict pet-ownership laws, believes sugar gliders could be a threat to natural ecosystems. Los Angeles Office 626 Wilshire Blvd Suite 460 Los Angeles, CA 90017. Experienced personnel not only can help keep your pet from escaping, but can also monitor your alligators welfare. With so many animals legal in the state, and with the potential for fines and a legal headache if you do keep an illegal animal, its best to follow the law and stay away from pets that have been banned. Either way, there is at least some method to the madness. But they are not people, they are monkeys.. and will eat anything including furniture, junk food, wallpapers, walls, and even their own waste. Although it is legal to have a pet raccoon in. The upshot? We are investigating for other possible fish and game code violations, he said. PetHelpful reports the tropical state has the most restrictions. Its also illegal to keep as a pet any animal that has been declared endangered and in need of animal welfare. (Pet Ownership Laws), Why Do Cats Push Things Off Tables? Many breeds happily live in milder climates. Additional reporting by Nikelle Murphy and Lauren Weiler. Keeping a mongoose is also illegal in California.
Petcha reports in California, Wyoming, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania, these birds are illegal to own. , and there has been intensive but unsuccessful lobbying to legalize ferrets in the state. Individual cities, such as Seattle and Denver, also ban them. The agency considers the breed a wildlife hybrid andrequires special permits to import or export Bengal cats. If youve always dreamed of owning the animals you can usuallyonly find in zoos, those are the states where you stand the best chance. You will need a legal permit to possess, transport, or import a raccoon into the state of California and only for a legal purpose. That means its illegal to kill them, even when they wind up inside your home. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, stray ferrets are detrimental animals and pose a significant risk to the rare native birds and animals of California. Pat Wright, founder of LegalizeFerrets.org, said Wednesday that his group hopes that prospective legalization of ferrets in New York City may boost another California effort. Although there are many squirrels in the state of California, keeping one as a pet is illegal and could land you in big trouble. But plenty of people in the U.S. think these animalsmake wonderful pets. Binge-worthy entertainment news and celebrity interviews. Its unlikely youll even see slow lorises in zoos, at least anywhere in North America, as theyre not easy to breed or take care of. Monkeys, ferrets and snapping turtles are among the animals that are illegal as pets in California but people try to keep them anyway, judging from the number of exotic creatures that end up with local or state animal-control authorities, rehabilitation centers, and private zoos. Mongoose can wipe out an entire small, ground-living native fauna. In other words, the U.S. makes it very difficult to get a bat as a pet. This might come as a surprise, but keeping ferrets as pets in California is illegal. Mr. Ambrosio Rodriguez was my sons lawyer and I can honestly say he has been the best within the timespan of my sons case. What is most likely to happen though, is that the animal will be taken from you and reintroduced to the wild or even put down. On the other end of the spectrum, five states dont ban residents from owning exotic pets even lions, tigers, and bears. But most do not. In other states including Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Vermont, and Virginia they are legal to own but subject to restrictions. Still, some pets are more widely shunned than others. But that life expectancy shrinks to just one year or less if theyre in captivity. Mongoose can wipe out an entire small, ground-living native fauna. Keep in mind that if you want to transport, import, or possess any of these animals then you will need a legal animal permit. Exotic pets: Theyre like family, but they need, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Exotic pets: Theyre like family, but they need a permit, Four arrested at end of pursuit following robbery at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, Builder plans to install EPA-rated water-saving fixtures in every Southwestern home it builds, Blufftop Laguna Beach home with private cabana on the sand seeks $32 million, Marine layer protecting Southern California coastal cities, but the heat will continue in inland areas, Newport Beachs Wedge goes wild with largest swell of summer season, Newport Beach woman accused of domestic violence shot by police, Knotts Berry Farm institutes chaperone policy after teen fights force park closure, California board OKs parole of ex-Mexican Mafia killer. Because penguins are so carefully protected, theres no way youll be able to own one in the states as a pet. Many people believe penguins need the arctic temperatures to survive. According to a 2008 report from PBS, only 17 states allowed the people to own skunks as pets. Ferret advocates offer counter-claims that the threat is unsubstantiated. They generally allow big cat ownership. Bighorn sheep (except Nelson bighorn sheep). Why is My Hamster Bleeding From its Bottom? You cant own a hedgehog in New York City and in some other municipalities. But youll need to rethink that assumption if you want to own a Bengal cat, a hybrid that originated from a cross of a domestic cat and small Asian leopard cat. But many legislatures repealed those laws in the 1980s and 1990s, when ferrets became popular pets. But when it comes to owning exotic pets, you might be in for more than you realize. Simba and Mufasa were fun to watch. . Never heard of a fennec fox before? Not if you live in one of the many states that prohibit residents from owning these birds as pets. If your state does allow you to own an alligator, you must provide an enclosure that keeps the animal in and potential intruders out. All species of piranhas are on Californias list of restricted animals. As PetMD reports, ferrets were once banned in many U.S. cities. Still,according to Born Free USA, some stateshave much stricter laws than others about owning any type of exotic animal. They set minimum standards for enclosures and have strict rabies laws that could result in an animal being euthanized if it bites someone. Fish and Wildlife Service. As a prosecutor, Mr. Rodriguez handled thousands of cases, including Death Penalty trials. The Golden State has some very strict laws on the books about which pets are permissible to own and keep. Plus, they usually end up in the United States courtesy of an unethical pet trade industry. They are termed as a risk to Californias native wildlife. These animals are termed welfare animals. However, keeping one without a permit remains illegal. The aquatic frog with a small, wedge-shaped head and flattened body cannot be kept as a pet in California because it competes with and threatens native species. Theyre tiny, spiky balls of fun. Owning a primate gets tricky in the U.S. In addition to knowing which animals you can and cannot keep as pets in California, it is also helpful to know what the penalties are if you are caught in possession of an animal that is banned by the state. However, keeping one without a permit remains illegal. Some states might allow it. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has some say over the pets Americans can own. Eye Infections in Hamsters: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments. The main reason why hedgehogs are illegal in California is that they can become pests when introduced into the wild where they do not naturally occur. Having a non-permitted animal that gets reported and removed means a bad ending for both the creature and the person who owns it, Ferraro said. To learn more, call our Los Angeles criminal defense law firm at 213-995-6767 or visit our contact us page to send us an email. Three monkeys were handed over to state Fish and Wildlife wardens Tuesday after one of the animals bit a woman outside a Cherry Valley pizzeria. are on Californias list of restricted animals. The usual process is to remove the animals or revoke a permit if a person is found to have violated it. Some states allow almost anything that creeps, crawls, or slithers, while others forbid almost all pets except domesticated cats and dogs. But this beginners gecko, though easy to take care of, is willing to bite just about any hand that comes into their domain. The three monkeys are being kept at an unidentified facility in Riverside, Hughan said. These animals are termed, A criminal prosecution punishable by up to 6 months in country jail and/or fine of up to $1,000 and/or. If you are not sure about the requirements and local and/or state laws governing pet ownership in California, we recommend you refer to Californias Animal and Pet Custody Laws. Home > Criminal Defense Blog > Five Popular Animals That are Illegal in California. Some of the odd stuff is out in the desert, he said. What Does Motion for Discovery Actually Mean in a Docket Entry in California? Slow lorises are small primates native to Northeast India and Southeast Asia. Copyright 2022 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Individual cities, including New York City and Washington, D.C., still prohibit them. Richard K. De Atley has been a journalist since 1975, for City News Service in Los Angeles, The Associated Press in Los Angeles and New York, and The Press-Enterprise in Riverside.
While monkeys are allowed as pets in neighboring Arizona and Nevada (with a license in the former), they are illegal to keep as pets in California. But if youve always dreamed of having your own bat cave or working on your echolocation skills, youll have a tough time in the United States. This could be because of the large, aviary-like space they require. States includingAlaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Wyoming prohibit private ownership of wolf hybrids. Life gets more exciting when you live on the wild side. Some say hedgehogsnocturnal nature makes them unsuitable for human entertainment and companionship. Some of these are owned by trained professionals. Even if youre dying to have a marmoset on your shoulder in the U.S., we heavily advise against it. De Atley is a Cal State Long Beach graduate with a double major in journalism and political science. The state of California is not only famous for being among the leading states with the best animal protection laws but also for its tough laws on exotic pets. It goes so far as to quarantine even domesticated cats and dogs when they first enter the state. but also for its tough laws on exotic pets. Reptiles Magazine notes the Tokay gecko is common in pet stores across the U.S., even ones that dont specialize in exotic pets. These rodents have sharp nails and teeth and will eat anything including furniture, junk food, wallpapers, walls, and even their own waste. Surprise! Although it is legal to have a pet raccoon in only 16 states in the U.S., California is not one of them. Prairie dogs are considered exotic animals and owning them in California and most other states is illegal. Skunks should be considered illegal until verified otherwise, PetHelpful advisespotential owners. For one, some of the animals on this list, if they escaped into the wild, could cause serious damage to the states native wildlife. Asurprising number of statesdo allow fennec foxes. How Do Smart Start Interlock Devices Work? While they are legal in just about every other state in the country, so far they have been unable to find a warm welcome in the Golden State. They are typically captured directly from the wild. Surprisingly, these little bundles of quills are controversial among animal experts and animal activists. And ultimately, they are predators with very sharp teeth even if theyre small. You could also be forced to pay the cost to remove and store the animal.
Every state has its quirky laws that, at their best make for good trivia, and at their worst can be a real headache for residents. The main reason prairie dogs are illegal in California is to protect public health & safety, wildlife, and other natural resources. That can result in habitat loss in their native Sahara and North Africa. And often, they have their back teeth painfully removed. Ferrets are among the most popular pets in the United States, and there has been intensive but unsuccessful lobbying to legalize ferrets in the state. If you are wondering why these super-cute critters with long necks arent allowed, you guessed it, its because of the threat they pose to natural wildlife if they escape. Ferrets are arguably the most popular pet that is forbidden in California. Some of the animals on Californias banned-as-pets list are familiar: alligators, raccoons, skunks, hedgehogs, chipmunks and squirrels. And some states, including Pennsylvania, Texas, and Montana, allow it if the person obtains a permit. Bengal cat owners have petitioned the agency to consider their animals a domestic breed because these domestic cats are many generations removed from the wild Asian leopard cat. Baby G is in a mandatory six-month rabies quarantine, and the other two monkeys, another capuchin and a tamarin, were impounded because Ringel could not produce permits allowing her to own the animals, according to authorities. Hedgehog Central, a site that advocates for the understanding and enjoyment of these creatures, also reports Pennsylvania forbids private ownership. Joe Camp, whose private Jungle Exotics reserve in Devore makes animals available for movies and television, has been a trainer and caretaker of monkeys and chimpanzees since 1975. The one on the list that has advocates and opponents bristling with the kind of fervor usually reserved for issues such as taxes and health care is the ferret. The nocturnal animals have quills that can penetrate the skin and transmit diseases such as Salmonella and ringworm to humans. In most states, alligators are best left to golf courses and wild marshes, not your backyard. Full List of All Illegal Pets in California (2021 Update). Is It Legal to Have a Pet Raccoon? Civil fine of between $5,000 and $10,000 plus the cost of the animals removal, storage, and care. Like every other animal in the Order Insectivora (including shares and moles), they are banned because of the damage they can cause to wildlife if they escape. So its not surprising weve gotten creative with our choice of animals. You also need totake full liability for owning such a creature. All Rights Reserved. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. Ferrets are illegal in California, but many people still keep them as pets. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment explains all 18 species of penguins are protected. Your email address will not be published. While maximum penalties are rarely enforced, they include a fine of anywhere from $500-$10,000. States including California, Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, and Maine also prohibit residents from keeping these little animals as pets. On the topic of hybrid animals, wolf hybrids also count as exotic pets many states dont want their residents to keep. We have an African serval, a bobcat that was declawed and several raccoons that people tried to raise, and a golden eagle that was confiscated, said Christy McGiveron, lead keeper at the Moonridge Animal Park in Big Bear. According to the California Fish and Game Code, its illegal to keep as a pet any animal the department considers to pose a threat to public health and safety, native wildlife, or agriculture. According to the California Fish and Game Code, its illegal to keep as a pet any animal the department considers to pose a threat to public health and safety, native wildlife, or agriculture. Nevada, Wisconsin, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina each have lax laws when it comes to pet ownership. You might think anyone willing to have a skunk in their home has gone off the deep end. Your email address will not be published. Who is getting really sick? , California is not one of them. As The Bark notes, the average dog owner isnt fully prepared for the demands of the animal. The American Bar Association reports the exotic pet trade is worth between $10 billion and $15 billion in the U.S. alone. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some of the animals end up at rehabilitation facilities or at zoos, which can keep them if they cannot be returned to the wild. If you are facing criminal charges, call a criminal lawyer with a proven track record. California, a state known for its strict pet-ownership laws, believes sugar gliders could be a threat to natural ecosystems. Los Angeles Office 626 Wilshire Blvd Suite 460 Los Angeles, CA 90017. Experienced personnel not only can help keep your pet from escaping, but can also monitor your alligators welfare. With so many animals legal in the state, and with the potential for fines and a legal headache if you do keep an illegal animal, its best to follow the law and stay away from pets that have been banned. Either way, there is at least some method to the madness. But they are not people, they are monkeys.. and will eat anything including furniture, junk food, wallpapers, walls, and even their own waste. Although it is legal to have a pet raccoon in. The upshot? We are investigating for other possible fish and game code violations, he said. PetHelpful reports the tropical state has the most restrictions. Its also illegal to keep as a pet any animal that has been declared endangered and in need of animal welfare. (Pet Ownership Laws), Why Do Cats Push Things Off Tables? Many breeds happily live in milder climates. Additional reporting by Nikelle Murphy and Lauren Weiler. Keeping a mongoose is also illegal in California.
Petcha reports in California, Wyoming, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania, these birds are illegal to own. , and there has been intensive but unsuccessful lobbying to legalize ferrets in the state. Individual cities, such as Seattle and Denver, also ban them. The agency considers the breed a wildlife hybrid andrequires special permits to import or export Bengal cats. If youve always dreamed of owning the animals you can usuallyonly find in zoos, those are the states where you stand the best chance. You will need a legal permit to possess, transport, or import a raccoon into the state of California and only for a legal purpose. That means its illegal to kill them, even when they wind up inside your home. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, stray ferrets are detrimental animals and pose a significant risk to the rare native birds and animals of California. Pat Wright, founder of LegalizeFerrets.org, said Wednesday that his group hopes that prospective legalization of ferrets in New York City may boost another California effort. Although there are many squirrels in the state of California, keeping one as a pet is illegal and could land you in big trouble. But plenty of people in the U.S. think these animalsmake wonderful pets. Binge-worthy entertainment news and celebrity interviews. Its unlikely youll even see slow lorises in zoos, at least anywhere in North America, as theyre not easy to breed or take care of. Monkeys, ferrets and snapping turtles are among the animals that are illegal as pets in California but people try to keep them anyway, judging from the number of exotic creatures that end up with local or state animal-control authorities, rehabilitation centers, and private zoos. Mongoose can wipe out an entire small, ground-living native fauna. In other words, the U.S. makes it very difficult to get a bat as a pet. This might come as a surprise, but keeping ferrets as pets in California is illegal. Mr. Ambrosio Rodriguez was my sons lawyer and I can honestly say he has been the best within the timespan of my sons case. What is most likely to happen though, is that the animal will be taken from you and reintroduced to the wild or even put down. On the other end of the spectrum, five states dont ban residents from owning exotic pets even lions, tigers, and bears. But most do not. In other states including Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Vermont, and Virginia they are legal to own but subject to restrictions. Still, some pets are more widely shunned than others. But that life expectancy shrinks to just one year or less if theyre in captivity. Mongoose can wipe out an entire small, ground-living native fauna. Keep in mind that if you want to transport, import, or possess any of these animals then you will need a legal animal permit. Exotic pets: Theyre like family, but they need, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Exotic pets: Theyre like family, but they need a permit, Four arrested at end of pursuit following robbery at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, Builder plans to install EPA-rated water-saving fixtures in every Southwestern home it builds, Blufftop Laguna Beach home with private cabana on the sand seeks $32 million, Marine layer protecting Southern California coastal cities, but the heat will continue in inland areas, Newport Beachs Wedge goes wild with largest swell of summer season, Newport Beach woman accused of domestic violence shot by police, Knotts Berry Farm institutes chaperone policy after teen fights force park closure, California board OKs parole of ex-Mexican Mafia killer. Because penguins are so carefully protected, theres no way youll be able to own one in the states as a pet. Many people believe penguins need the arctic temperatures to survive. According to a 2008 report from PBS, only 17 states allowed the people to own skunks as pets. Ferret advocates offer counter-claims that the threat is unsubstantiated. They generally allow big cat ownership. Bighorn sheep (except Nelson bighorn sheep). Why is My Hamster Bleeding From its Bottom? You cant own a hedgehog in New York City and in some other municipalities. But youll need to rethink that assumption if you want to own a Bengal cat, a hybrid that originated from a cross of a domestic cat and small Asian leopard cat. But many legislatures repealed those laws in the 1980s and 1990s, when ferrets became popular pets. But when it comes to owning exotic pets, you might be in for more than you realize. Simba and Mufasa were fun to watch. . Never heard of a fennec fox before? Not if you live in one of the many states that prohibit residents from owning these birds as pets. If your state does allow you to own an alligator, you must provide an enclosure that keeps the animal in and potential intruders out. All species of piranhas are on Californias list of restricted animals. As PetMD reports, ferrets were once banned in many U.S. cities. Still,according to Born Free USA, some stateshave much stricter laws than others about owning any type of exotic animal. They set minimum standards for enclosures and have strict rabies laws that could result in an animal being euthanized if it bites someone. Fish and Wildlife Service. As a prosecutor, Mr. Rodriguez handled thousands of cases, including Death Penalty trials. The Golden State has some very strict laws on the books about which pets are permissible to own and keep. Plus, they usually end up in the United States courtesy of an unethical pet trade industry. They are termed as a risk to Californias native wildlife. These animals are termed welfare animals. However, keeping one without a permit remains illegal. The aquatic frog with a small, wedge-shaped head and flattened body cannot be kept as a pet in California because it competes with and threatens native species. Theyre tiny, spiky balls of fun. Owning a primate gets tricky in the U.S. In addition to knowing which animals you can and cannot keep as pets in California, it is also helpful to know what the penalties are if you are caught in possession of an animal that is banned by the state. However, keeping one without a permit remains illegal. Some states might allow it. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has some say over the pets Americans can own. Eye Infections in Hamsters: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments. The main reason why hedgehogs are illegal in California is that they can become pests when introduced into the wild where they do not naturally occur. Having a non-permitted animal that gets reported and removed means a bad ending for both the creature and the person who owns it, Ferraro said. To learn more, call our Los Angeles criminal defense law firm at 213-995-6767 or visit our contact us page to send us an email. Three monkeys were handed over to state Fish and Wildlife wardens Tuesday after one of the animals bit a woman outside a Cherry Valley pizzeria. are on Californias list of restricted animals. The usual process is to remove the animals or revoke a permit if a person is found to have violated it. Some states allow almost anything that creeps, crawls, or slithers, while others forbid almost all pets except domesticated cats and dogs. But this beginners gecko, though easy to take care of, is willing to bite just about any hand that comes into their domain. The three monkeys are being kept at an unidentified facility in Riverside, Hughan said. These animals are termed, A criminal prosecution punishable by up to 6 months in country jail and/or fine of up to $1,000 and/or. If you are not sure about the requirements and local and/or state laws governing pet ownership in California, we recommend you refer to Californias Animal and Pet Custody Laws. Home > Criminal Defense Blog > Five Popular Animals That are Illegal in California. Some of the odd stuff is out in the desert, he said. What Does Motion for Discovery Actually Mean in a Docket Entry in California? Slow lorises are small primates native to Northeast India and Southeast Asia. Copyright 2022 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Individual cities, including New York City and Washington, D.C., still prohibit them. Richard K. De Atley has been a journalist since 1975, for City News Service in Los Angeles, The Associated Press in Los Angeles and New York, and The Press-Enterprise in Riverside.