why are ferrets illegal in california

The main reason why ferrets are illegal in California is to Protect Agriculture and Wildlife. There’s also one formerly popular pet that you can no longer own in any US state. It doesn't have a f***king prayer, even though there's about 500,000 ferrets in California. In all other states where ferrets are legal, there have been no damaging events involving domestic ferrets, whether it be, Compared to other very common animals, like cats and dogs, ferrets are, Virtually all ferrets come from large breeders (Marshall Farms) or licensed. For example, hedgehogs are cute little nocturnal animals that many states ban. The bans include various non-native species that the state considers a threat. You can also own most species of flightless birds. FRESNO, Calif. – Ferrets are making criminals out of their owners in California, where keeping the furry animals as pets is against the law. They’re not actively putting work into prevention of ferret ownership or passing of legislation. These restricted birds include falcons, eagles, and hawks. The state of California worries that sugar gliders will escape, establish their own colonies, and disrupt local wildlife, crops, or natural resources. Since 1975, you cannot sell or own turtles with shells measuring less than four inches. Also Read: Do ferrets bite? And for obvious reasons, almost half the states in the US have laws that prohibit residents from owning certain species of venomous reptiles. In addition to California, ferrets are illegal in: While ferrets are entirely banned in some places, many other states have varying levels of restrictions on the animal put in place. Most released ferrets wouldn’t live more than a few days. Ferrets weren’t singled-out in this legislation. CDFW receives frequent inquiries about why various non-native species are restricted from being kept as pets in California. While it is illegal to have ferrets in California, ironically, more ferrets live in The Golden State than any other. However it is always worth checking at local level if there are any County or City laws governing the keeping of ferrets as pets. 0 0. phyliss . The Quaker parakeet is an example. The sudden growth of a feral non-native colony could jeopardize crops and other animals. Unfortunately, ferrets are illegal in California. Which US states are ferrets illegal in. They can’t accept the fact there are 300,000 to 500,000 domesticated ferrets … Posted by 7 years ago. Similarly, California bans all rodents, except domesticated golden hamsters and some domesticated species of rats, mice, and guinea pigs. Since ferrets are not properly domesticated, so there are no vaccines for rabies in ferrets. Ferrets sold at pet … This means that the ferrets are still considered as exotic animals. Hawaii is the only other state that prohibits ferrets. They have this stupid thought that they’re a magical fragile ecosystem like Hawaii and therefore ferrets will bring their world crumbling down. It goes back to 1933, but a 1988 report by the Department of Health Services seems to have blocked the little critters’ path to being legitimate. Source: qa.answers.com. The Ferret Sleep Schedule (Explained), 25 Cute Ferrets You Have to See (With Pictures), Permit needed to bring a ferret into the state, Illegal in households with small children, 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. of Fish and Wildlife ruling. permit required to bring in a ferret inside the state. They are also illegal or restricted in other states. Likewise, most states don’t allow residents to own monkeys and other primates, but there are exceptions. permits to zoos and aquariums to breed restricted species. You just can’t own most birds of prey without a license. The main reason why ferrets are illegal in California is to Protect Agriculture and Wildlife. The main reason why ferrets are illegal in California is to Protect Agriculture and Wildlife. Are ferrets legal to own as pets in California? The concern is that owners may release ferrets into the wild or the pets may escape and then establish colonies in the wild. Ferrets are illegal in California because the California Department of Fish and Game claims that if ferrets are let out into the wild, they would mate, multiply, become feral and could threaten native wildlife. For some reason organizations like Sierra Club and Audubon pump money into the California DF & G to keep them illegal. Specifically, they were outlawed because of the fact that they were an “exotic animal” and could pose a threat to native species, agriculture, or public health and safety. See our article: Do sugar gliders make good pets? Ferrets are illegal in California because of a 1933 law imposed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. in the late 1800's to get rid of rats & mice from farmers feilds. Should I get one? That’s what happened in Massachusetts… there they were illegal because of an archaic law that banned them, but enough ferret owners fought for legalization of these animals, … If you want to own any slugs, snails, or clams, except for land snails, you’re also out of luck. However, keep in mind that many of the permitted animals require a lot of maintenance. link to [ANSWERED] Why are sugar gliders illegal in California? The two states that have declared ferrets illegal in the entire state are California and Hawaii. I think CA’s ferrets are still illegal simply because CA doesn’t feel like reforming the law… I think there is certainly enough evidence that ferrets will not take over… but if the battle is still fought, they will eventually be legalized. Besides confiscation, you face the following penalties for possessing a ferret: Criminal prosecution is extremely rare. The California Fish and Game Code declares it a crime to possess any animal that is endangered and a threat to public security. The black-footed ferrets are cousins of domestic ferrets. Native... Hey friends! California isn’t alone in banning ferrets. California isn’t the only place where ferrets are illegal. However, organizations … Why are ferrets illegal in California? I find it funny how they use the "feral colony" excuse when ferrets can't be feral and are almost all neutered, but yet cats and dogs are legal and there are tons of homeless ones roaming the streets killing wildlife. There are only vaccines for … Ferrets threaten agri-business – When questioned individually, none of the 50 departments of agriculture in California at the time would assert that the domestic ferret is a threat. Back in 1933 when ferrets were more obscure pets, nobody batted an eye at this legislation. What can you do about it? 4 years ago. Besides the ferret, you cannot own any species of the order Marsupialia (marsupials and pouched animals). In some cases, you also need to pay for the rehabilitation of the ferret so the state can release it or send it to a different facility. Since they aren’t fully domesticated animals there isn’… Mostly though its about money. Ferrets are illegal in California because of eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'beyondthetreat_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_5',138,'0','0']));a 1933 law imposed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. First, a rebuttal of points that the state of California made against ferrets: Now, other points for ferret legalization that owners have made: Your email address will not be published. My opinion is, no. The California Natural Resources Agency, which includes the Department of Fish and Wildlife, bans a variety of exotic pets, one of them being ferrets. Many countries including, California, have a strict ban on keeping ferrets as pets. On April 6 of 2000, the California Fish and Game Commission stated that an environmental document would need to be prepared that assess the environmental impact of the passing of this legislation. 'Masked Singer's' Broccoli is 79-year-old legend Why are ferrets illegal in California? Which is total nonsense, Ferrets have been domesticated for so long, they no longer possess any natural instinct to survive in the wild, and at the most would probably last about three days. read more. And surprisingly, California allows some species that other states prohibit. The main reason why ferrets are illegal in California is to Protect Agriculture and Wildlife. To my understanding, ferrets are illegal in California because the politicians are afraid if they escape from their owners they'll unbalance the local ecosystems. The Department of Fish and Wildlife can issue a permit for certain species on a case by case basis. It is also believed that ferrets are a … Ferrets are legal in 48 of the United States. The bans include various non-native species that the state considers a threat. CALIFORNIA– In California, you can’t sell, import, transport or keep a ferret as a pet unless you have the permit from California Department of Fish and Game (means they are still treated as exotic/wild animals) California state says that ferrets can carry rabies. I'm Eddie and I founded ThePetSavvy in 2019. On the other hand, some states have almost no restrictions on exotic pets. Ferrets also cannot live outside for longer than a week as they're so domesticated.) California hasn’t been silent on their decision over the years, and neither have ferret lovers.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'beyondthetreat_com-leader-1','ezslot_6',137,'0','0'])); You can read all about the changes and rebuttals that have been made over the years here. Sadly they found that they love the taste of the farmers chickens and started to kill off chicken coups up and down the state of Ca. Ferrets are also believed to be roaming and killing more chicken than that are necessary for its consumption. I haven't had any pets in 6 years because I was in the Navy. Despite the ban, there is potentially a way to own some of these pets. Unlike California though they have made no effort to legalize ferrets. For some reason organizations like Sierra Club and Audubon pump money into the California DF & G to keep them illegal. California thinks that ferrets carry rabies. forbidden is specific towns by the local authorities. If you live in any of the following states, it’s recommended that you research ferret legislation before looking to purchase or adopt one. The California Natural Resources Agency, which includes the Department of Fish and Wildlife, bans a variety of exotic pets, one of them being ferrets. CDFW receives frequent inquiries about why various non-native species are restricted from being kept as pets in California. Not allowed to have a cuddly wuzzle in your state and have the nerve to ask for an explanation? Further steps have been taken towards legalizing ferrets, but nothing substantial has happened so far. Besides ferrets, here are some of the most famous examples of this far-reaching ban: California bans entire classes and orders of species. These restrictions include: While ferrets are illegal in California, and we can’t suggest owning one within the state, there’s quite a lack of repercussions when it comes to illegal ownership. Currently in the United States, ferrets are only illegal in California and Hawaii. They're not native animals and any animals they eat will be taking from the animals that normally eat them. The California Natural Resources Agency, which includes the Department of Fish and Wildlife, bans a variety of exotic pets, one of them being ferrets. California’s ban on exotic animals includes thousands of species, including many species allowed in other states. Pets like ferrets and hedgehogs have been banned in certain states in the U.S. for decades. Here is a comprehensive answer as to why California bans pet ferrets and other exotic animals while other states allow them. read more. So if you want something other than a dog or cat, the following options are still in okay in the state: You can’t own many of these species in other states, yet California allows these animals as pets. Essentially, there’s been a back-and-forth of California wanting proof and activist groups providing that proof. Ferrets are illegal in California because the California Department of Fish and Game claims that if ferrets are let out into the wild, they would mate, multiply, become feral and could threaten native wildlife. Some groups are trying to get the state to allow certain exotic animals as pets. Some of the most surprising entries include the miniature farm animals. illegal to own if you have a small child in the household. Ferrets are illegal in California, but I just moved to Chicago. ThePetSavvy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.We also participates in other affiliate programs so please assume that all links to merchants' websites are affiliate links. Veterinarians can treat any animal and don’t need to report it to the authorities. Pet ferrets have neither. I personally think legalization is never going to happen here. Wolfdogs are another example of an exotic pet that is prohibited in many states and allowed in California. Some of these restrictions may include: Therefore it is advisable that you contact your local vet, Wildlife Department, or Fish and Game department if you live in one of the following states: Quite a few exotic pets are banned across the country. Ferrets are legal in all the states of America except California and Hawaii. (Is It Bad? Basically saying “If you don’t pay for this massive study, we won’t consider this.”. Right or wrong – thousands of ferret owners are ignoring the law. However, they’re one of only two states that ban them, along with two cities. This is the reason why ferrets are illegal in some countries and some states in America. Additionally, some pet stores are part of nationwide chains that carry most of the same inventory across their various locations. Ferrets can carry rabies – So can cats, dogs, and other domestic animals. Sometimes states ban species for their threat to the local ecosystem. Basically, the laws protect the following: In addition, California also prohibits the possession of animals considered endangered or protected in other regions. “There’s a great deal of risk with owning ferrets because they can escape and go into the environment and kill some of our more sensitive species,” said Tim Kroeker of the California Department of Fish and Game. California bans ferrets and many other exotic pets, but still allows a few. each state is a sovereign entity and may enact its own laws. Archived. You should also contribute to the legalization of ferrets in CA because you know they are harmless. Many stores sell sugar ferret products because they may offer uses for other pets. The cause behind the ban which the government mentions is that they are a potent source of many diseases like rabies and also they are not native to California, therefore, they can have adverse effects on the ecosystem and the natural wildlife of California. Maintaining a ban on domesticated ferrets is capricious, cruel and unfair. In California, you can own almost any variety of hybrid cat. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said on its website that animals like ferrets that are legal pets elsewhere are illegal in the state “to protect public health and safety, agriculture, wildlife, and natural resources.”4 Apr 2018 Zach is a life-long pet owner and enthusiast. Today we will discuss the cost of acquiring and maintaining sugar gliders as pets.Because of their small size, sugar gliders can be fairly inexpensive when compared to some other... [ANSWERED] Why are sugar gliders illegal in California? However, the Commission ordered the Californians for Ferret Legalization, the project proponents, to fund the preparation of this document. Ferrets can thrive in nature and overwhelm native species – Domesticated ferrets have lost most of their survival abilities that would allow them to live outdoors. The permits are primarily for animal handlers, research Here’s why non-native animals like hedgehogs, sometimes desired as pets, are not a good idea or legal under current regulations. Ferrets are not a threat to the environment and are no more dangerous than cats. Do you think they'll ever be legalized here? California’s ban on exotic animals includes thousands of species, online petitions for legalizing ferrets, sugar gliders, you cannot sell or own turtles with shells measuring less than four inches, Department of Fish and Wildlife can issue a permit for certain species. Instead, they were grouped in with many different animals including crows, aardvarks, bats, platypuses, crayfish, and hundreds of other species.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'beyondthetreat_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',133,'0','0'])); Essentially, they’re illegal because there’s a fear that if they’re released or escape, they could damage California’s ecosystem. Ferrets have gained huge popularity as pets in the US for the past few years, however, they are illegal in some states, including California. This site is for general information purpose only and does not constitute pet medical advice. Below is the table showing State laws on the ownership of ferrets. In some states, the ferrets are not technically illegal, but you do need a license in order to keep them. They are endangered species who were brought to the U.S over 300 years ago. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife doesn’t have the resources or staff to strictly enforce its ferret bans. In Alabama, Wisconsin, Nevada, North Carolina, and South Carolina, residents can own almost anything, including bears, tigers, and lions. For example, sugar gliders are a protected species in Australia and banned in California. Eddie is a pet owner, animal journalist, and the founder of ThePetSavvy.com He is passionate about animal behavior and spends hours doing research to gather the most accurate and up-to-date information on his favorite pets. People with the necessary permits also need to obtain pet supplies. As stated, restrictions in these states all vary. So are ferrets illegal in the USA? I want you to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on your lovely pets and for this I create these guides which I'm sure you will love. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has stated themselves that they don’t have the resources to properly address these issues. Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid owning a ferret illegally. So why are ferrets illegal in California? There are several places where ferrets are downright illegal, including the entire state of California.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'beyondthetreat_com-box-4','ezslot_1',134,'0','0'])); Ferrets have been illegal in California for almost 100 years… but why is that? NFL player's neck injury may end his career. © 2020 Beyond The Treat | Amazon Associates Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Exotic pet that is endangered and a threat, energetic, curious, and pose a threat, are. These states all vary pet unless why are ferrets illegal in california animal bites a person besides the ferret, you face the following for! Us why are ferrets illegal in california exports 75 % of the same reason that California bans ferrets and hedgehogs worth checking local... State to allow certain exotic animals likewise, most states don ’ t pay for this massive study we! Ownership of ferrets as pets in a ferret as a few days space and may enact its laws. 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