A background check of an owner or custodian applying for an Individual Permit may be completed by the Department. Bobcat hunting is legal any time of the year. Many counties have chosen to ban rather then fund a county registration requirement. Bobcats can be imported for other purposes without a permit, but require a Fur Breeder License to possess or breed. A person may obtain a permit to keep and maintain in captivity as a pet, a wild animal that has been acquired from a commercial dealer or during the legal open hunting season. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Bobcat hunting is allowed. The Library of Congress offers this guide to global laws regarding the private possession of exotic cats. Class II and Class III wildlife shall not be possessed in multi-unit dwellings unless the dwelling in which they are housed is equipped with private entrance, exit, and yard area. Bobcats are protected under the New Jersey Endangered Species Act. What can a County in Florida do to ban exotic pet ownership when FWCC says they have supreme authority and no intention of banning this inhumane practice? Issues both non-commercial licenses ($5.00 per year) and commercial licenses ($100 per year.) Cages must be inspected by TWRA before animals will be permitted. It is illegal to own a bobcat in Illinois but you can hunt them. Tigers are the largest of the “big cats” you must make sure you can afford to feed it and have a steady supply of meat, they should not be fed dry cat food. Grandfathered USDA facilities as of 2006 with no felonies within previous 10 years to maintain inventories to sell to other facilities and out-of-state. You can own just about anything in this state and hunting bobcats is permitted for residents. Cougars are designated by rule to be harmful wild animals. It is legal to own savannah cats. 2 were here. Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, Mailing Address: Buyer and seller complete a bill of sale. It is legal to own a savannah cat. its not the same as a leopard or tiger does not mean it can't kill you.They can … A barrier fence, which can be just a rope. No private ownership allowed. Owners of exotic animals entering state must have permit They have not issued any importation permits for wild felines. Personal Possession requires Import Permit and Propagator Permit. The number of tigers in captivity in America is likely larger than the number of wild tigers around the world, National Geographic revealed in 2019. Can get personal possession, or breeding or exhibiting permits. Servals and savannah cats are legal. (4) Does not allow any direct contact between the public and the prohibited wildlife species. Bobcats are hunted and trapped. The GPS coordinates for this Lake are 47.87211 (latitude), -106.8529721 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 2,369 feet (722 meters) above sea … WVDNR provides the following on bobcats: Each person killing a bobcat must attach a completed field tag to the bobcat or remain with the bobcat and have upon their person a completed field tag (or make one) before moving the carcass from where it was killed. Savannah cats and bengal cats are legal. USDA licenses animal facilities which own or possess these animals. A regulated animal is defined as all members of the felidae family (except domestic cats); all bears; and all non-human primates. Bobcat hunting is allowed for residents only and in specific areas of the state. It is legal to hunt bobcats. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. On June 5th, 2012 a law passed that banned the private possession of dangerous wild animals, including most exotic cats. The exotic species listed below, except where otherwise noted, may not be held as pets in Georgia, this list includes all species of carnivores. You can in some countries/ states if you comply with legal regulatons and treat them properly. Let us find out. surrendering physical possession or custody of the animal to another. There are some lion and tiger cub exploiters still making the rounds at fairs, flea markets, parking lots and malls who are charging the public $10 – $25 to pet a baby lion cub or to play with a tiger cub. Applicants must be at least 21 and not have ever been convicted of animal cruelty or of a felony within the last 10 years, have them microchipped, report any deaths within 10 days, maintain $250,000 of liability insurance, and obtain a permit to transport them. USDA Animal Welfare Act regulates the use of animals in commerce. If they hurt you that is bad enough, but if they hurt somebody else you may have a potential lawsuit on your hands in addition to having your pet removed. Required fields are marked *. or hybrid of those is prohibited without a permit. Test is on handling, habits, health care and housing. They can turn mean without warning. Import of wild felines into this state is granted only for research by universities or government agencies, exhibition in municipal zoos or other institutions for medical or scientific purposes as determined by the Board of Agriculture. Requires $100,000 per animal Liability insurance, health certificate $300.00 per animal yearly fee. Must be USDA licensed as a Class B broker or C Exhibitor or have scientific or educational purposes. State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-0001     518-402-8995. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. There are more tigers in Texas than there are left in the wild. Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, 1505 Eastover Dr.,  Jackson, MS 39211,  601-432-2400. If you are a resident, type your zip code into any box on this page to see what legislation is pending in your state and make a difference now! Serval cat, sugar glider, wallaby, African pygmy hedgehog, parrot, toucan. This provision does not prohibit a person who had lawful possession of a prohibited animal on or before May 31, 2006, from continuing to possess that animal if the person provides written notification to the local animal control authority on or before August 1, 2006. With sufficient documentation, they would allow the importation for scientific research, education, or exhibition purposes. Department of Agriculture 2320 South DuPont Highway Dover, DE 19901  302-698-4500. A new law went into effect 1/1/18 making it illegal for everyday S.C. residents – in other words, not zoos – to buy or own large cats, apes or non-native bears.If you already own an African lion, cougar or some other exotic animal, you can keep your furry friend for the rest of its life, so long as you must register the animal with your local animal control agency and pay a one-time, $500 fee to help the agency pay to enforce the new law; You must give that animal control agency a contingency plan showing how the animal should be quickly and safely recaptured if it escapes; and you must maintain vet records and other important paperwork, such as documents proving you owned the animal in your backyard before Jan. 1, 2018. Gates must be self-closing and have two locking devices. Carnivals, zoos, circuses, and other like shows and exhibits where ample provision is made so the birds, animals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish will not escape or be released in this state are permitted. 500 Lafayette Road,  St. Paul, MN 55155-4040  651-296-6157 or toll free 888-646-6367. For more information about USDA licenses and the animal welfare act, visit the USDA Animal Care web site at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ac/. Full contact: For the purpose of this section, full contact is defined as situations in which an exhibitor or employee handler maintains proximate control and supervision, while temporarily. Theres always a loop hole…… 1 thing I like bout the U.S.A, Your email address will not be published. 2. © Copyright 2021 BigCatRescue.Org. I Saw A Tiger Joe Exotic • Can I own a tiger in the US?-----Our mission is to create educational content. Fourteen other states require a permit to own a tiger or any other big cat. Game & Fish Commission Two Natural Resources Dr. Little Rock, AR 72205  800-364-4263 and 501-223-6300. Non-domestic dogs and cats and hybrids such as wolf, wolf cross, Dingo, Bengal, Savannah, etc are prohibited under Plant Quarantine law. On the whole, rather than considering buying a pet tiger it would be far better to donate to help the tigers already in captive rescue situations, such as the Shambala Preserve in California, or other big cat rescues. You must have previous and current year’s wildlife holding license before exhibit license will be issued. All generation of savannah cats are legal. Bobcat hunting is legal in some areas of the state. MDNR regulates the means and methods in which bobcats may be hunted/trapped, establishes open seasons, geographic regions, and bag limits. ANSWER: Fourteen other states require a permit to own a tiger or any other big cat. B* = Partial ban on private ownership of exotic animals — allows ownership of some exotic animals but precludes ownership of the animals listed, L = Requires the “owner” of the exotic animal to obtain a license or permit or to register the animal with state or local authorities to privately possess the animal (excludes states only requiring import permits), N = The state does not require the “owner” to obtain a license or permit to possess the animal within the state, but may regulate some aspect thereof (i.e. Bobcats are classified as a furbearing animal. Exhibitors must not allow direct contact of the felines with the public. Regulates private ownership of nontraditional livestock, i.e. Effected felines held at the time of bill signing may be kept. This section does not apply to any zoological parks, circuses, colleges, and universities, animal refuges approved by the Department of Agriculture and Industries, county or municipal humane shelters, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, or veterinary clinics. Exotic Wildlife Dealer Permit ($200.00) does allow breeding and resale. Further, the US Fish & Wildlife Service defines a sanctuary as a facility that does not allow contact between the animals and the public. Jeff the Nature Guy talks about the tiger salamander, an amphibian that can be found in Montana, especially when there has been a lot of rain. Importation into the state of bobcats or cougars requires an Import Permit. - Banned pets: lion, tiger, bear, six or more bobcats, rabbits, quail, ape, baboon, macaque If you own six or more bobcats, you’re out of luck in Arkansas. If you see someone using a cub who is too young or too old, please photograph the event and report the exhibitor’s name, location and what you saw to stop this abuse. Class A License In the case of wild felines specifically, a USDA Class A license is mandatory if the individual is engaged in the sales of offspring produced by the individual’s felines. There is a pending bill to ban all contact with big cats and their babies. The rearing of any wild animal for commercial purposes requires a wildlife commercial breeder/dealer permit and a USDA license. 41 State House Station In many places where pet tigers are allowed it is a requirement that you own at least 5 acres. Individual Permits granted by the Department shall become null and void when the owner or custodian transfers ownership or custodianship of the exotic to another person. When conducting exhibition of animals the licensee must be responsible for physically preventing any direct contact between the visitors and the animals and their cages. Class I felines (inherently dangerous) are lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, and cougars and may only be possessed by zoos, circuses and commercial propagators. Class I cats (Felidae only) that weigh not more than twenty-five (25) pounds; https://www.flrules.org/gateway/readFile.asp?sid=0&tid=7515480&type=1&File=68A-6.0023.doc. Bobcat hunting is allowed. Class A license for wild felines requires caging that allows the animal to stand up and turn around and a perimeter fence, no closer that 3 feet to the cage. Does not allow pet possession of wild felines. Accredited educational facilities, research facilities, and permitted rehabilitation facilities shall be exempt from this regulation through the written permission of the Director of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries or his designee. Sanctuaries are exempted from paying yearly fee, only if they are USDA Class C licensed. Permit fee is $48.00 for commercial permit and $5.00 for personal possession permit. This permit does not require monthly reporting. When any conditions exist that result in a threat to human safety, or the welfare of the wildlife, the animal(s) shall, at the direction of a Commission officer, be immediately removed from public contact for an interval necessary to correct the unsafe or deficient condition. PA Game Commission has caging, housing, bill of sale, sanitation and general requirements to be met to qualify for permit. (no commercial activity) Holder’s of a Class A license may not broker animals, only sell their offspring. Also has Zoo license and Wildlife Holding License. Montana Field Guide contains a wealth of information about Montana's diverse species. When an exotic is kept as a pet, the owner or custodian of the exotic must apply to the Department for an Individual Permit on a form supplied by the Department. Eastern cougars “disappeared” in the late 1800s. Exotic wildlife is classified into prohibited, controlled, and non-controlled. You cannot own a wild animal in the US without a special premit and liscences. 94-322, p. 562, §8.) Savannah cats are legal. However, every county in the state sets its own ordinances dealing with exotic animal rules. Section 47-5-50 Prohibition on sale of wild carnivores as pets states that no carnivores, which normally are not domesticated, may be sold as a pet in this state. These are one-year renewable permits. The NH state exhibitor permit requires that one have 2,000 hours of paid experience with a licensed exhibitor to qualify. Servals and jungle cats are non-controlled and may be possessed and sold as pets without a permit. Augusta, ME 04333-0041, Physical Address: Some veterinarians will come to your property (they charge mileage) but again, the cat must be contained. After a high-speed chase, Texas law enforcement arrested the man seen taking in a tiger spotted roaming loose in a Houston neighborhood Sunday. Can you keep a tiger as a pet? A list of species considered dangerous contains nearly all felines, with only a few species such as geoffroy’s cats, jungle cats and asian leopard cats not listed. Person’s holding class C licenses may exhibit their animals to the public. the bobcat is legally classified as a furbearer and can be taken by hunting or trapping during the open season. Breeding permits will be issued for animals that the department determines will not result in unwanted or uncared for animals or if species is endangered and needs to be propagated. Of course there are the obvious concerns regarding safety, big cats have big risks. Although Arizona has strict laws about owning exotic pets, hybrid cats are legal. 402 W Washington St., Rm. W273 Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-232-4080. You can obtain a license to own a serval in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, Mississippi, Missouri, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Maine. Each county must develop a plan to administer a registration process that requires a permit fee, caging standards, $100,000 liability insurance and veterinary care requirements as outlined in the state law. A new Cougar possession permit was created in 2007. Must also present animals in natural setting and natural behavior patterns. 02114,  617-626-1500. Department of Game and Fish P.O. Holder’s of a Class B license may engage in limited, controlled exhibiting, such as is required to facilitate the sales of offspring or recently acquired animals. Tigers and mountain lions must be tattooed on the left thigh. One of the most comprehensive restrictions on the keeping of exotic animals as “pets” in the United States, the regulation also prohibits existing animals from being bred. There could be unexpected expenses due to health or injury. The following explanation may clarify this requirement. Class B License A USDA Class B license is mandatory if the individual is selling wild felines not bred by the adult animals in the licensee’s possession. Anyone other than the owner who cares for or handles one must apply to become a registered designated handler, which requires 200 hours of experience. However, Missoula is home to the University of Montana, popular for wildlife biology students. Bobcat hunting/trapping is permitted with the proper fur harvester license issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). This does not apply to a zoological park, circus, scientific or educational institution, research laboratory, veterinary hospital, or animal refuge. The Fish and Game Department attempted to open up bobcat hunting again in 2016, but withdrew the proposed administrative rule due to all the opposition raised by conservation and animal protection organizations. Arkansas. This category includes caracals, cheetahs, jaguars, leopards, lion, ocelots, servals and tigers. N.J. Division of Fish and Wildlife, Mail Code 501-03, P.O. Large carnivores like lions, tigers, and bears are illegal to own, as are … Full contact with Class I wildlife is authorized only as follows: I. Maryland Department of Natural Resources has designated the bobcat as a species of special concern. The same trend is happening with private ownership of exotics. Is is legal to own a savannah cat but not a serval. Bobcat hunting/trapping is permitted with the proper license issued by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). In 2005 Arkansas banned the private possession of large carnivores. Box 30444 Lansing, MI 48909  517-373-1263. Limited bobcat hunting is allowed in some counties. All one needs is the proper permit. Permit fee is $10.00 per animal, maximum of $100.00. Bobcat hunting is legal. In both cases animals suffer through peoples actions. (Acts 1994, No. Grandfathered owners on 10/1/06 that microchipped and registered them with local animal control. The license is issued to an individual. Must have state issued importation permit number on health certificate to bring native species into state. It also must be said that pet tigers are not allowed everywhere, before you even consider it (and I am not suggesting you should really consider getting a tiger at all) you must check out the laws and regulations concerning owning a pet tiger. On 8/11/2014, a new law passed prohibiting dealers or exhibitors from allowing direct contact with big cats lion, tiger, leopard except clouded leopard, jaguar, cougar or hybrid of such without a permanent physical barrier. Class I permit requires 1 year and 1000 hours experience, details of experience and place acquired and 2 references. 251 Causeway St., #400, Boston, MA. Bobcats are protected furbearers in New Mexico with an established season for hunting and trapping from November 1 to March 15. Growing Your Own Food Can Be Done In Container Gardens - Across America, US - See how saving money on food anywhere in the United States can be done in a gardening pot. A person keeping an exotic animal in the state may not breed that animal; a person may not keep an exotic animal in the state for more than 30 days after the expiration, revocation or suspension of a permit; a person may breed a small exotic feline if the person: is exempt from the requirements for a permit under ORS 609.345; or breeds a small exotic feline with a member of the species Felis catus (domestic cat), and the person has a permit issued by the State Department of Agriculture under ORS 609.351; and the person provides written documentation, including the person’s business license, that the person bred the animals for the purpose of retail sale of the offspring (“small exotic feline” means a member of the family Felidae, except the species Felis catus (domestic cat), that weighs 50 pounds or less when fully mature. Find out what your state laws are regarding the keeping of exotic cats from bobcats to tigers as pets. Class I animals (includes panthera cats) can not be kept for personal use – must be commercial exhibitors. Keep in mind that laws are improving to protect wild cats from being held captive all the time, so check with each state to make sure the information is current. In the case of multiple animal collections, often a single perimeter fence encloses all the animal cages. Issues zoo, Class A Parks, and scientific study permits. Big Cat Rescue does not believe that exotic cats should be “used” and having the oversight of exotic cats in the hands of those who have such an archaic view of animals as mindless creatures who are undeserving of our compassion and respect is a travesty. In 2012, New York passed legislation which required the department to create lists of prohibited non native species, species that require a permit and legal species. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. For private possession of cougars, the state requires natural habitats of rather grandiose proportions: minimum one-acre enclosure, 12-foot fences with 45-degree recurve, pool, den, vegetation and landscaping, property must be owned by applicant. Permits issued for zoological, breeding, scientific and educational purposes. The exhibitor shall take reasonable sanitary precautions to minimize the possibility of disease or parasite transmission which could adversely affect the health or welfare of citizens or wildlife. People in violation of the statute may be charged with a class 4 felony. In Indiana, a person can own just about any animal as a pet, from skunks or raccoons, to foxes, cougars and even lions. Board of Animal Health Department of Agriculture 600 E Boulevard Ave. Dept 602 Bismarck, ND 58505  701-328-2655. Must obtain a permit from the RI Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture to import, possess or receive any native wildlife or hybrid thereof. Regulates ownership of native feline species. The best evidence of this is the accelerating trend in state laws. Serval hybrids are illegal in Minnesota. For information about I-190 please see the Department of Revenue update here (updated 11/9/2020) and the Frequently … It is unlawful to possess all subspecies or hybrids of the following big exotic cats: tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars or mountain lions. Top Answer. Bobcat hunting/trapping is legal in Minnesota. It is legal to own savannah cats. If you prefer to donate via Pay Pal, please use this link: Pay Pal. North Carolina does not have a general statewide law on regulating the ownership of or possession of exotic or dangerous animals. Box 790, Boise, Idaho 83701-0790  208-332-8540. Further, there are caging requirements, and any animal exhibited out of a cage requires a $500,000 liability policy. http://bigcatrescue.org/laws/lawscaptivewildanimalsafetyact.htm, Category: N Prohibits the keeping of wild and exotic animals that include: Any member of the family Felidae not indigenous to Oregon, except the species Felis catus (domestic cat). The tiger will need to be vaccinated and wormed, having a veterinarian who is willing to do this things may present a challenge in itself. In the case of multiple animal collections, often a single perimeter fence encloses all the animal cages. One of the few states where owning savannah cats is illegal, 1100 Valley Rd., Reno, NV 89512   775-688-1500. Must apply for annual Captive Non-Domestic Animal permit. Tigers cost roughly $10,000 and up, with certain colors (white tigers) costing more. Bobcat hunting is illegal. None of the other furbearers have quotas or limits except a few controlled hunts for beavers. Felines under 25 pounds and between 8 weeks and 3 months are allowed public contact for one hour every 8 hours. PO Box 145610, 1594 W North Temple This section does not apply to a research facility or federal research facility licensed under the federal Animal Welfare Act; an exhibitor licensed under the federal Animal Welfare Act; qualified animal sanctuaries, animal control officers; licensed veterinarians; or non-residents in the state for ten days or less for the purpose of traveling between locations outside the state. Game & Fish Dept  5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, 602-942-3000. The bobcat and eastern cougar are included on the list of “Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Animals of Maryland.”  All savannah cats are allowed to be owned if they weigh under 30 lbs. Most exotic cat hybrids, such as a savannah cat, are not a legal pet in Georgia. Has caging and record requirements. Owning a pet tiger is considered legal or is unregulated in eight states, all of which have rather lax regulatory laws concerning animal rights in general: North Carolina, Alabama, Delaware, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Department Web Site. No person may possess any dangerous animal, defined to include a lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, cheetah, margay, mountain lion, lynx, bobcat, or jaguarundi, except at a properly maintained zoological park, federally licensed exhibit, circus, scientific or educational institution, research laboratory, veterinary hospital, hound running area, or animal refuge. In what state can you own a tiger? Exotic wildlife is classified into prohibited, controlled, and non-controlled. Florida law only allows contact up to 25 lbs for exotic cats.