Activists in Washington, D.C, argued that despite ferrets being feral, they could not survive three days fending for themselves. The bans include various non-native species that the state considers a threat. The government institutions in Hawaii believe that ferrets are rabies vectors, which would cost them the rabies-free zone title. One animal that is clearly restricted is the sloth. It is legal to own a hedgehog in all but a handful of states and some cities. Having a ferret as a pet can essentially be like having a toddler. The first thing you can do is to contact your California State Senate and State Assembly representatives requesting them to consider a ferret legalization bill. Cotton-Top Tamarins: Cooperative, Pacifist and Close to Extinct The New . What is the penalty for owning a ferret in California? These restrictions are hypocritical for some reason, because "normal" cats can and have attacked humans, have become a serious environmental threat . Find out why are hedgehogs illegal in California. Portugal is the only European countrywhere having a ferret is illegal. They also like to sleep in hammocks which can be hung inside their enclosure. What Are Their Health Benefits? Ferrets are obligate carnivores. The California Natural Resources Agency, which includes the Department of Fish and Wildlife, bans a variety of exotic pets, one of them being ferrets. According to the Department of Conservation, ferrets (along with weasels and stoats) infiltrated the wild in New Zealand over a hundred years ago. You also require a vaccination certificate from a vet. This ruling means you cannot import, transport, or possess ferrets in the state except with a permit issued for a legal purpose. You also need to follow the Animal Welfare Code of Practice and meet all their requirements. In spite of this, the dire predictions from the California Fish and Game Commission have failed to materialize. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Plus, they are illegal in countries like New Zealand, South Africa, Puerto Rico, and Portugal. For example, hedgehogs are cute little nocturnal animals that many states ban. For medical research and other special conditions, you may apply for a permit, but not for house ownership. In Pennsylvania, you must acquire a permit for exotic animals that are listed as exotic wildlife by the state. California offers an environment where species like ferrets may thrive in the wild. It is still illegal to own a ferret in New York City because of the fear of rabies. For example, one household can only have two ferrets. They are also illegal or restricted in other states. that, if theyre exposed to the wild, they could harm crops or native wildlife. Hawaii is free from this disease, and they want to keep it that way! This increases the threat to native species and crops. You may be wondering are ferrets illegal in California? The F stands for filial and traces the lineage of the pet. Average Sugar Glider Lifespan [How to Help Them Live Longer]. Plus, there are strict regulations regarding the number of ferrets allowed per household. Theres also one formerly popular pet that you can no longer own in any US state. Sugar gliders are restricted from possession as pets primarily because they can become pests and can potentially cause diseases to humans. It was in 1933 that the California Department of agriculture took a stand and banned ferrets. To keep ferrets as pets, you need permission from California's Dept. Now that we know why ferrets are illegal in California, lets look a little deeper into how and when it all happened. While some restrictions are obvious, such as keeping lions, tigers, bears, or zebras, others might catch you off-guard and you can face severe penalties including: So before you decide to bring your favorite pet into the state, it is invaluable to know all the illegal pets in California to avoid getting yourself into big trouble. Why can't I have a hedgehog, sugar glider, ferret, or other restricted, non-native . You must vaccinate the ferret against rabies. And possibly not. Is it legal to have a pet raccoon in California? These restricted birds include falcons, eagles, and hawks. Most states in the United States allow ferrets as pets, but some states have laws prohibiting ferret ownership. California It is illegal to sell, import, and transport ferrets in California. Ferrets are beautiful, friendly creatures that are nearly as dangerous as any pet animal. By now we all know that ferrets are carnivores. But are these reasons good enough for the authority to ban the possession of ferrets? Return A Gift From Amazon Without Receipt. Your email address will not be published. We have also discovered that most of these reasons are vague, inadequate and even straight up incorrect. It is, therefore, essential to seek information that is up to date from the local government before settling on owning a ferret. But a few states (and countries) are slow to accept that ferrets are domestic animals. However, a few states in the U.S. still do not allow ferrets to be adopted as pets. But should we keep our minds open to the possibility of this ban being lifted in the near future? The law does not restrict its citizens from owning ferrets. When shes not writing, Deanna loves listening to country music, or watching Dancing With The Stars. Why can you still buy products for ferrets in California? Although it is legal to have a pet raccoon in only 16 states in the U.S., California is not one of them. It has taken 2500 years to domesticate ferrets. If you are travelling by plane, check with the airline what their requirements are for the carrier. However, in South Africa, one has to meet a set of standards formulated by the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Acts, 2005, since ferrets are classified as invasive species. They are beautiful and even seem harmless, but piranhas have razor-sharp teeth. The consequence of importing or smuggling a ferret into Hawaii is a fine set at $200,000 or a jail term of up to 3 years. It is illegal to sell, import, and transport ferrets in California. Having domestic ferrets in the state can result in criminal prosecution (a misdemeanor offense), monetary fines (approximately $1,000), jail time (up to 6 months), and/or civil penalties of $500 to $10,000. There are breeders of foxes in the state of California, but they have to sell out of state. Full List of Legal Pets in California (2022 Update), How to Get a Dog to Drink Water (Easy Tips), Colds In Hamsters: Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment, Constipation in Hamsters; Causes, Symptoms & Treatment, Diarrhea in Hamsters; Causes, Symptoms & Treatment, Abscesses in Hamsters: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments. It all started around 100 years back, in 1933 when the first law banning the domestic ferret in California was put into place. According to the National Environmental Management Biodiversity(NEMB), ferrets are a highly invasive species. You can also own mynah birds and even toucans. Ferrets are not illegal in most other states, but they are illegal in Hawaii and California. In conclusion, when asked why ferrets are not legal in California, the argument that they carry rabies is insufficient. So, adopting a ferret in Washington DC is not impossible, but it isnt easy. In California, having a pet ferret can lead to monetary penalties, criminal prosecution, and even prison time. Luckily for New Yorkers, fennec foxes are the only species from The Big 5 that are legal to own in the state. In the case that a ferret does escape, there are high chances that they will hunt down a few animals to survive. While it is possible to keep just one duck, it is strongly recommended that you have at least one other duck for company, while having three or four would be best. In 1980, the permit was extended to include spayed female ferrets, but importation was still not allowed. 7 Best Ferret Cages The Ultimate Guide & Reviews, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vf1qobh2qpg, Ferrets As Pets (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vf1qobh2qpg). Likewise, most states dont allow residents to own monkeys and other primates, but there are exceptions. Are Ferrets Aggressive? Hawaiis Department of Agriculture acknowledges the fact that ferrets have been domesticated outside Hawaii, but its in the nature of a ferret to return to its feral state, wild state, and because of the aggressive nature of ferrets, cases of attack on young children have been reported, and that is the main reason why it is illegal to import and own a ferret in Hawaii. In short, the chances of a ferret being eaten by wildlife are considerably higher than the ferret eating wildlife. Check your local laws and regulations before you adopt a ferret. Basically, the laws protect the following: In addition, California also prohibits the possession of animals considered endangered or protected in other regions. 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. Ownersmust provide ferrets with proper training, care, safety, and supervision. Sloths have adapted to a specific environment. So if you want something other than a dog or cat, the following options are still okay in the state: You cant own many of these species in other states, yet California allows these animals as pets. When did it become illegal to own a ferret in California? While domestic ferrets might not be wild, they are carnivorous animals. You need to spay or neuter your ferret. As with many other exotic animals such as snakes, your local laws may be stricter than state laws, and regulations may change. What is the penalty for owning a ferret in California? Ruling the possibility of unvaccinated animals in the home out, there is only one other way ferrets can get rabies- by leaving the house. Native to Europe from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia, ferrets are slender-bodied, carnivorous mammals. California is not the only state where ferrets are illegal. The difference between New Zealand and Australia is that Australias climate is hotter and is not ideal for ferrets. What about sugar gliders? Despite them being domesticated, ferrets are considered half-wild. There are 3 main reasons why it is currently illegal to have a ferret in the state. This can result in six months in jail, a fine of around $1,000, and the permanent confiscation of your pet (s). The nocturnal animals have quills that can penetrate the skin and transmit diseases such as Salmonella and ringworm to humans. Owning a ferret in California can get you charged with a misdemeanor, up to six months in jail, or $1,000 in fines. Similarly, California bans all rodents, except domesticated golden hamsters and some domesticated species of rats, mice, and guinea pigs. An F3 wolfdog has at least one grandparent that was a wolf. Additionally, you must treat them for tapeworms and ticks 48-hours before they enter. Keeping a ferret as a pet is illegal in the Golden State, which means Megan Mitchell is breaking the law. It's a site that collects all the most frequently asked questions and answers, so you don't have to spend hours on searching anywhere else. The colonization can threaten native wildlife, which is why ferrets are banned in many countries. The UK allows the legal import of ferrets under the EUs pets travel scheme. In the 1880s, ferrets were introduced in New Zealand to control the spread of rabbits after people imported rabbits, and since rabbits had no predictor, they bred very fast. According to California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 14, Section 671- Importation, Transportation and Possession of Live Restricted Animals: It shall be unlawful to import, transport, or possess live animals restricted in subsection (c) below except under permit issued by the department. [1]. To find your representatives, head to the website of the California State Legislature. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife doesnt have the resources or staff to strictly enforce its ferret bans. 7 Get a suitable carrier or travel cage. What Ferret Bans Are Enforced In Other American States? We strongly recommend not breaking this lawit simply isn't worth it for you or the ferret! The main reason why ferrets are illegal in California is to Protect Agriculture and Wildlife. Furthermore, you can no longer buy dogs and cats that come from breeding mills at your local pet store, but this is a good thing. Its a good idea to obtain new information from your local government or an animal control board. The reasons include anger of feral colonies erupting, ferrets spreading disease, biting humans, and their hostile nature. New York City. California's climate is part of the reason for the bans on exotic animals that other states allow. Required fields are marked *, Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute("id","a2f94c75af1c03960dc22276bec3f386");document.getElementById("df03d7b18c").setAttribute("id","comment"). Ferrets are now illegal in New Zealand because they pose a threat to native wildlife. Besides confiscation, you face the following penalties for possessing a ferret: A civil fine of $500 to $10,000; The cost of removing, storing, and caring for the animal; A misdemeanor criminal charge punishable by up to six months in jail; . You will not be able to keep your ferret. District of Columbia housing law lists dogs, rabbits, cats, domesticated rodents, cats, non-poisonous snakes, turtles, turtles, fish, caged birds, and racing pigeons as the only legal animals to keep as pets. Are ferrets illegal in countries like New Zealand because they pose a threat possession as pets, but importation still! 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