Why ferrets illegal

There are roughly 4. It generated about 10, signatures, but the shoestring campaign budget was not enough to get the issue before voters. It is no joke that people are just as attached to their pet ferrets as they are to their pet dogs and cats. Ferrets are not a threat to the environment and are no more dangerous than cats. Maintaining a ban on domesticated ferrets is capricious, cruel and unfair.

Although native to Australia and New Guinea , sugar gliders are classified as exotic animals in the US. Quaker parrots — also known as monk parakeets — are medium-sized parrots native to South America.

As a result, some view Quaker parrots as intrusive to agriculture. It's illegal to own one of the multi-hued birds in seven states.

However, Quaker parrots are allowed, with restrictions i. Those of us afraid of snakes can rest easier knowing that a plethora of states at least 19 ban people from owning poisonous reptiles as pets. Hybrid felines — including common breeds like Bengals and Chausies — are banned in nine US states and two cities Denver, Colorado, and Seattle, Washington. The extent of regulation varies by state, but in some cases, Bengals need to be at least four generations removed from their Asian ancestors.

According to DogsBite. Iowa, Kansas, and Ohio are the states with the highest volume of breed-specific legislation BSL regarding pit bulls and other breeds perceived as "dangerous," such as Doberman Pinschers, and Rottweilers.

Technically speaking, the term "pit bull" refers to a dog group that encompasses diverse breeds, including the Staffordshire bull terrier and the miniature bull terrier. Besides California, nine other states ban this little bird , as it may fly off and create its own flock, disrupting the local wildlife.

And for obvious reasons, almost half the states in the US have laws that prohibit residents from owning certain species of venomous reptiles. Since , you cannot sell or own turtles with shells measuring less than four inches. The US banned small turtles due to the spread of salmonella. On the other hand, some states have almost no restrictions on exotic pets. In Alabama, Wisconsin, Nevada, North Carolina, and South Carolina, residents can own almost anything, including bears, tigers, and lions.

And surprisingly, California allows some species that other states prohibit. In California, you can own almost any variety of hybrid cats. However, if someone notifies the department about your ferret, someone could come and take it away. Besides confiscation, you face the following penalties for possessing a ferret :. Criminal prosecution is extremely rare. However, fines and confiscation are expensive. 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.

Despite the ban, there is potentially a way to own some of these pets. The Department of Fish and Wildlife can issue a permit for certain species on a case-by-case basis. The permits are primarily for animal handlers, research facilities, trainers, and shelters.

The state may also grant special permits to zoos and aquariums to breed restricted species. California bans ferrets and many other exotic pets, but still allows a few. Days numbered for NY ferret ban? Image source, Thinkstock. Ferrets have long been banned as pets in New York City. Image source, Getty Images. Ferrets have been growing in popularity as non-traditional pets.