In some places, you will be required to get a license. February 2003. Ferrets are considered to be illegal as they may breed in the wild, and pose a threat to agriculture and native species. They keep pumping money as long as the California Department of Fish and Game keeps the possession of ferrets illegal in California. 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. Some animals are banned as pets because they aren’t meant to be domesticated, others are dangerous to California’s ecosystem. So you know if you can own a ferret where you reside, you should get in touch with your wildlife and game department to obtain a current copy of the ordinances. Posted by Richard on April 24, 2002. 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. Ferrets and other wildlife, including sugar gliders and hedgehogs, are still illegal to import, transport, or possess in California without a … Ferrets Should be Legal in California. Pat Wright said the law … Some of the largest snakes in the world that possess the capacity to kill … But a few states (and countries) are slow to accept that ferrets are domestic animals. All species are restricted from possession as pets in California primarily because they can become pests where introduced into the wild where they don’t naturally occur. The ferret (Mustela putorius furo) is the domesticated form of the European polecat, a mammal belonging to the same genus as the weasel, Mustela, in the family Mustelidae. However, there are only a few exotic pets legal in California. Ferrets — Illegal to Own, But What About Veterinary Treatment? The California Natural Resources Agency, which includes the Department of Fish and Wildlife, bans a variety of exotic pets, one of them being ferrets. Their fur is typically brown, black, white, or mixed. It's considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a $1,000 fine or 6 months in jail. Funny thing is, there’s an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 ferrets in California, though illegal to own there, the state has the highest population of domesticated ferrets. Some previous very good answers have been given hut I notice one that has been left out. I just find it amazing that they can put so much effort into worrying about what is basically a harmless animal. Everywhere else, except Hawaii, you can lead your ferret down the street on a leash and not worry about cops, just dogs. The critters are legal as pets in … ireally want a pet ferret, ever since i was ten. From www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/species/nuis_exo/ferret/:“In California, domestic ferrets are legal to import, transport, or possess only by permit. 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. California Pet Stores May Only Sell Rescues. Ferrets are illegal to own as pets in both California and Hawaii. California is one of two states in the nation that prohibits possessing a ferret. The Fish and Game Commission gets around that by mis-classifying ferrets as wild, or by saying they have not been determined to be domestic in the state of California. Pat Wright, who was behind this initiative effort, said that his group was unable to collect enough signatures to put this initiative on the ballot. kaylee04caplinger I would like to buy 2 ferrets preferably but 1 will be okay i can pay up to 350 with a ca.. In the United States, ferrets are illegal in California and Hawaii, and in New York City, New York. There are also many unknown questions related to natural predators and potential diseases when any … Ferrets are legal as pets almost everywhere. Culver City Woman Trying To Make Ferrets Legal CA Pets - Culver City, CA - Owning a ferret in California can get you charged with a misdemeanor, up to six months in jail, or $1,000 in fines. Ferrets are illegal as pets in California. Domestic Ferrets. Ferrets are such a small movement in Sacramento. Are Ferrets Illegal in California? FRESNO, Calif. – Ferrets are making criminals out of their owners in California, where keeping the furry animals as pets is against the law. Two states that prohibit ferrets as pets are California and Hawaii. It is also believed that ferrets are a … In California, ferrets are illegal. Strangely enough, parrots are legal pets. if they are legal, thank you. There is no State law on owning ferrets but please check County/City laws. The United States Department of Agriculture classifies ferrets as domestic animals. A California Ferret Legalization Initiative (15-0034) did not make the November 8, 2016 ballot in California as an initiated state statute.. The measure, upon voter approval, was designed to legalize the ownership of ferrets in California. We have asked the Commission to stop referring to them as wild animals without success. Since they aren’t fully domesticated animals there isn… Decriminalization and legalization are similar enough; both would allow some legal path to ownership, that it is extremely difficult to separate the two organizations. 1. In the state of California, strict laws govern pet ownership. Call ferrets the “forbidden fruit” of pet ownership. It is feared that ferrets will be turned loose and form their own colonies detrimental to the native population of certain animals. Here are 10 California pet laws you need to know. Interviews with California ferret lovers and attendees at the 2010 Legalize Ferrets Revival California has very strict laws about what types of animals homeowners can keep as pets. Ferrets are the sweetest, cuddliest, kindest little critters and are no harm to the environment more than cats or dogs. Many countries including, California, have a strict ban on keeping ferrets as pets. Ferret, California » Los Angeles Buying ferrets 2 with or without cage!!! California Ferrets are illegal in California except by special permit issued by the Dept. In the minds of policymakers, all ferret organizations are connected. Large Constrictor Snakes. Ferrets are also believed to be roaming and killing more chicken than that are necessary for its consumption. Veterinary Care of Domestic Ferrets. of Fish and Game. 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