Now that we know why ferrets are illegal in California, lets look a little deeper into how and when it all happened. Unlike dogs that need to be walked every day, or cats who like running around the neighborhood, ferrets like to stay inside. When answering the question Why are ferrets illegal in California? this reason is directly linked to the one we discussed previously. However, keeping one without a permit remains illegal. Besides confiscation, you face the following penalties for possessing a ferret: Criminal prosecution is extremely rare. What about sugar gliders? Firstly, for an animal to catch rabies, it should go outdoors, frequently. Besides ferrets, here are some of the most famous examples of this far-reaching ban: California bans entire classes and orders of species. In Alabama, Wisconsin, Nevada, North Carolina, and South Carolina, residents can own almost anything, including bears, tigers, and lions. However, keep in mind that many of the permitted animals require a lot of maintenance. Besides ferrets, quite a few pets are banned across the country. This is a comprehensive list of animals that are illegal as pets in California as of 2022. The answer to this lies in section 2118 of the Fish and Game Code which was amended in 1974 to ban all animals in the order of Carnivora, excluding cats and dogs. Therefore, consider moving to another state if you are in California and want to own a ferret. The ferret is a descendant of the polecat and a member of the mustelid family, which includes stoats . They need several hours of supervised exercise and play outside of their cage each day and can be quite mischievous and destructive. The rodents arent dangerous, just weird looking, said Department of Fish and Game spokesman Andrew Hughan. The laws have since been rescinded in many places where they were once illegal. However, fines and confiscation are expensive. How to stop a ferret from biting? It is Illegal to Own a Sloth in California. Did you know that Hawaii is the only state in the United States that is rabies free? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What is the penalty for owning a ferret in California? While veterinarians in these locations will still treat sick ferrets, the adoption or purchase of new ferrets is not allowed. Outside of the United States, ferrets are also illegal in South Africa, New Zealand, and 3 areas of Australia (Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia). TimesMojo is a social question-and-answer website where you can get all the answers to your questions. 1. Although some may argue that hand raised parrots are domesticated, not too long ago they were stolen from their tropical nests and smuggled into the the U.S and other places. Their diet consists of raw meat, raw bones, muscle tissue, and digested vegetable matter. 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. These vaccines are not mandatory, but ferret owners can specifically ask vets for them, just to be on the safe side. By now we all know that ferrets are carnivores. They also like to sleep in hammocks which can be hung inside their enclosure. This is because ferrets are considered to be non-native, wild animals. She is the mom of several guinea pigs and sugar gliders. Another option is de-scenting, a controversial procedure that removes a ferret's anal sacs. (Can You Own One?). Mongoose can wipe out an entire small, ground-living native fauna. The main reason why ferrets are illegal in California is to Protect Agriculture and Wildlife. You can own pygmy goats and miniature horses. Also, most ferrets are spayed and neutered so they cant breed. You can only possess or keep a monkey or other primates if youre qualified and with a legal permit for specific purposes such as medical research or training them to perform in film productions. All rights reserved. In spite of that, said Fiorella, ferrets have a naturally occurring musky smell due to other scent glands in their skin.. Its a good idea to obtain new information from your local government or an animal control board. Ferrets are illegal because they could easily revert to their feral state and be a potential carrier of rabies. Ferrets are related to wolverines, minks, ermines, and weasels in the Mustela genus. These animals are termed detrimental animals. Of these, one of them is the state of California. Knowing how to tell when a duck feels threatened and when it may apt to bite you can help you take the necessary actions to de-escalate the situation. By now we all know that ferrets dont do very well in the wild. Lets look deeper into the possibility of that happening. And for obvious reasons, almost half the states in the US have laws that prohibit residents from owning certain species of venomous reptiles. They started endangering and hunting the birds. Answer (1 of 19): There's a reason why we say: "Ferret out the answer". And surprisingly, California allows some species that other states prohibit. Monkeys are illegal pets in California as they pose risks to Californias wildlife, agriculture, and public health & safety thats according to the states Department of Fish and Wildlife. In addition, there is also no proof that shows that the bite of a ferret is worse than that of other pet animals like cats and dogs. In fact, if you looked at the reports closely, you would notice that ferrets were often mentioned as malnutritioned or hungry or in bad shape. This means that the majority of the attacks happen due to neglect on the owners part towards their pet. You can own a monkey without a special permit in Georgia, Kansas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Ferret ownership is illegal in all but two states in the United States, and California is one of those states. Are Ferrets Aggressive? However, his efforts have been futile and have only landed him in jail. In Washington, ferrets are illegal to keep as pets, but the District of Columbia Health Department issues waivers case by case. , stray ferrets are detrimental animals and pose a significant risk to the rare native birds and animals of California. In the Golden State you cant own zebras, rhinoceroses, tapirs, or any other odd-toed ungulates (aside from ordinary horses) unless youve worked with exotic species for two years (including one year with animals in the same family as the one you plan to own). The sudden growth of a feral non-native colony could jeopardize crops and other animals. In order to get a ferret permit in the state of California, you must first complete a ferret education program. The F stands for filial and traces the lineage of the pet. Another animal you cannot keep as a pet in California is the. Ferrets are naturally quiet, curious, friendly, intelligent, and affectionate. The only way to gain a permit was if a person moves to California with a ferret already in their household. But should we keep our minds open to the possibility of this ban being lifted in the near future? According to the National Environmental Management Biodiversity(NEMB), ferrets are a highly invasive species. Why are sugar gliders also illegal in California? To own a ferret, you need to make sure that you have built a cage for it and installed cardboard and toys for it to play with; ferrets are obligate carnivores; ensure that its meal has a high protein level, moderate fat content, and low starch content and fresh water, set aside medical finances since ferrets are susceptible to diseases, comb your ferret frequently to avoid it ingesting its fur. Native to Europe from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia, ferrets are slender-bodied, carnivorous mammals. They argue that all pets bite at one time and that it is not justifiable banning ferrets on the basis of biting. The cost of removing, storing, and caring for the animal, A misdemeanor criminal charge punishable by up to six months in jail, A criminal charge including a fine of up to $1,000. No, it is not legal to have a pet raccoon in California. In Pennsylvania, you must acquire a permit for exotic animals that are listed as exotic wildlife by the state. For medical research and other special conditions, you may apply for a permit, but not for house ownership. However, its 2022 and things are different now. The officials do not actively search for ferrets with people, but it is a big problem. Does this mean that the ban on ferrets in California should be lifted? What helps their case is an event that happened in New Zeeland years ago, where ferrets hunted rabbits in abundance. If you own a ferret in California, you'll most likely face fines between $500 and $10,000. If you are travelling by plane, check with the airline what their requirements are for the carrier. Can anyone own a zebra? Why Do Cross Country Runners Have Skinny Legs? Therefore, if you love ferrets, youd possibly have to consider moving to another state. The California Natural Resources Agency, which includes the Department of Fish and Wildlife, bans a variety of exotic pets, one of them being ferrets. Civil penalty of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each violation Criminal charge including a fine up to $1,000 Misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to six months Fees for repossessions/rehabilitation of the seized ferrets Articles are written by vets, pet experts, and me. Your email address will not be published. So, adopting a ferret in Washington DC is not impossible, but it isnt easy. Moreover, they are as small as their prey is. Required fields are marked *, Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute("id","a2f94c75af1c03960dc22276bec3f386");document.getElementById("df03d7b18c").setAttribute("id","comment"). Ferrets have a strong, musky odor, even when they're de . Don't disregard advice from a vet. This might come as a surprise, but keeping ferrets as pets in California is illegal. What Exotic Animals Are Legal in California? Theres also one formerly popular pet that you can no longer own in any US state. Cotton-Top Tamarins: Cooperative, Pacifist and Close to Extinct The New . Should it be illegal owning a ferret? Breeders or store clerks who are ignorant of this fact inappropriately recommend feeding ferrets fruits and vegetables. permit required to bring in a ferret inside the state. This means you cannot import, transport, and even possess one without a legal permit. Your friend, Nadine! Ferrets are legal as pets almost everywhere. What is so bad about these innocent little creatures that you are not allowed to keep one at home? This means you cannot import, transport, and even possess one without a legal permit. The cost of a ferret will depend on where you get them. 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. . In fact, any animal if provoked will become violent. Here is a comprehensive answer as to why California bans domestic ferrets and other exotic animals while other states allow them. Keeping a mongoose is also illegal in California. In the event that ferret owners are apprehended, they may also be required to pay for the transportation, handling, and storage of each and every ferret that they discover in their residence. They are illegal to own as a pet in California. Here is a list of the others: Hawaii: Possession and transportation of ferrets in Hawaii can lead to: 3 years in prison a fine of upto $20,000 bearing all the costs of the removal and extermination of the ferret Unfortunately, theyre illegal in nine other US states and several cities. 2022 - 2023 Times Mojo - All Rights Reserved Why are ferrets illegal in california? Intelligent like a dog, foxes have been bred to live as house pets but there are not fully domesticated. Average Sugar Glider Lifespan [How to Help Them Live Longer]. Ferrets never attack until they are abused or malnourished. They are beautiful and even seem harmless, but piranhas have razor-sharp teeth. Unfortunately, they dont issue permits for ferrets. This restriction was active until 1985. 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. #1 Ferrets are Considered Wild Animals and Not Domesticated. 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. The permittee may only possess and provide care for the animal(s) specifically listed on their Department approved permit inventory. From cuddly rabbits to energetic hamsters, on The Pet Savvy you can learn about the different types of small pets and how to care for them. You need a permit from the California Department of Fish and Game to keep ferrets as pets. Some groups are trying to get the state to allow certain exotic animals as pets. A movement, which failed, was formed recently to make having ferrets as pets legal in California. Moreover, the state has banned thousands of species, including gerbils, prairie dogs, monkeys, hedgehogs, and parakeets. The nocturnal animals have quills that can penetrate the skin and transmit diseases such as Salmonella and ringworm to humans. Moreover, incidents of ferrets biting people, sometimes even infants, have also been reported. The most common cause was the case of the Nevada girl who testified in 1993 about being mauled as an infant by a ferret. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife doesnt have the resources or staff to strictly enforce its ferret bans. Keeping a ferret as a pet is illegal in the Golden State, which means Megan Mitchell is breaking the law. By now we know why ferrets are illegal in California and when and how the ban was placed. This comes at no extra cost to you. What happens if you have a ferret in california? There are a few different reasons that authorities give for not allowing ferrets inside California. Moreover, unlike pet ferrets, these ferrets were not spayed or neutered. Other places where you cannot keep axolotls as pets include Maine, New Jersey, and Washington D.C. You won't find a more playful pet out there today than the ferret (sorry dog and cat owners!). Ferrets are illegal in Queensland, and the laws are very similar to New Zealand. The difference between New Zealand and Australia is that Australias climate is hotter and is not ideal for ferrets. 2023 The Pet Savvy. , and there has been intensive but unsuccessful lobbying to legalize ferrets in the state. Change.org has a couple of great petitions you can sign. Hawaii. 2. Laws in the US about ferret ownership are evolving. Gentle play-biting is typical for ferrets. Luckily, ferrets are indoor animals. For example, the city of Oshkosh classifies ferrets as wild animals, and you cannot buy one within city limits. They are also illegal or restricted in other states. However, the law does state that criminal charges or even jail time for owning ferrets are possible. - johnny holland. In case you live in New Mexico or Hawaii, you need a permit to keep an axolotl. Wright too is on the verge of quitting but not before one final push to alter the state of the roughly 100,000 ferrets in California, according to his estimate. Required fields are marked *, Ferret & Me - Proudly Powered by WordPress. However, the origins of those restrictions actually date back to the latter part of 1933. Another concern is that owners may release ferrets into the wild, which can jeopardize animals . How Long Do Pet and Wild Chinchillas Live? While California is not illegal for ferret ownership, the penalties for . To learn more about why ducks bite, keep reading! The state may also grant special permits to zoos and aquariums to breed restricted species. Veterinarians can treat any animal and dont need to report it to the authorities. Ferrets are illegal in New Zealand. Portugal is the only European countrywhere having a ferret is illegal. It is feared that if ferrets escaped from homes, they would not only hunt down small animals, they would breed and form feral colonies. Due to these permits, lots of illegal ferret shelters started to open up in California, so the Department of Food and Agriculture had to revoke them. California It is illegal to sell, import, and transport ferrets in California. What about hedgehogs? Unfortunately, California is one of those states where it is illegal to own a hedgehog. Therefore, if you are in Washington, D.C., you can own a ferret without fear of breaking laws because it is legal today. 6. These include animal handlers accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), conservation societies, medical research facilities, qualified commercial/educational exhibitors, and universities, for the purpose of public health and/or scientific research. Native to Central America and northern South America, several different types of sloths, including the Maned Sloth and the Pygmy Sloth are endangered species. However, if someone notifies the department about your ferret, someone could come and take it away. Heres a video that can help further explain things. CDFW receives frequent inquiries about why various non-native species are restricted from being kept as pets in California. Pet foxes are legal in up to 15 states, but not in California. (a) In addition to any other penalty provided by law, any person who violates this chapter or any regulations implementing this chapter, is subject to a civil penalty of not less than five. 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. In California, you can own almost any variety of hybrid cats. Are Ferrets Aggressive? Most countries require a distemper vaccine and treatment of fleas and ticks before the ferrets enter. They also transmitted Bovine Tuberculosis to the cattle, and this affected their economic activities. Though some states do not require permission to keep sloths as pets, others mandate that you obtain a special permit. Besides California, the only other U.S. state where it is illegal to own a ferret is Hawaii. However, in-state ferret owners can turn in their pet to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) without prosecution fears. You can also end up paying for the costs of your ferret's handling, storage, and transportation. even for zoos because of their destructive nature. Yes, axolotls are illegal in California. This might come as a surprise, but keeping ferrets as pets in California is illegal. Even though there have been cases when ferrets have reached the age of 14-15 years, the majority of them do not surpass 10 years of age. They prey upon and eat whole animals in the wild. California is filled with large, wild predators that are always on the lookout for a good midnight snack! 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