Owning exotic pets in New Mexico is subject to strict state regulations and classifications, designed to protect public health, safety, and native wildlife. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish categorizes animals into four groups, each with its own rules regarding ownership and permitting.
Legal Categories for Exotic Pet Ownership
Group I: Domesticated and Semi-Domesticated Animals
This group includes animals such as dogs, cats, goats, cattle, camels, ostriches, guinea pigs, gerbils, and common ferrets. These animals do not require a permit for ownership and are considered non-exotic in most contexts.
Group II: Nonthreatening Wildlife
Animals in this category are wild but not considered dangerous to the public, livestock, or native ecosystems. Examples include many turtles, frogs, salamanders, and certain types of parrots. These can be kept as pets without a permit.
Group III: Nondomesticated Wildlife Requiring Provisions
This group includes animals that pose some ownership concerns due to potential risks to public health, livestock, or native wildlife. Examples are waterfowl (like swans and wild geese), certain snakes, and the broad-nosed bat.
Ownership of these animals requires an importation permit, and owners must demonstrate that health and safety concerns have been addressed.
Group IV: Animals Illegal for the General Public
This group covers animals considered dangerous or endangered. It is illegal for New Mexico residents to possess these animals outside of scientific study or accredited zoo ownership.
Examples include big cats (tigers, lions, cheetahs, snow leopards), eagles, crocodiles, alligators, bears, monkeys, sloths, marmosets, foxes, armadillos, wild rabbits, otters, weasels, mink, kinkajou, squirrels, venomous snakes, and Gila monsters. Violations can result in misdemeanor charges, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Additional Regulations
Primates, Skunks, Raccoons, Foxes, and Other Sylvatic Carnivores: The sale, purchase, trade, and possession of these animals as pets may be regulated by the New Mexico Department of Health for public health and safety.
Local Ordinances: Some counties and cities in New Mexico may have additional restrictions beyond state law, so it is important to check local regulations before acquiring an exotic pet.
Permits for Importation: Anyone wishing to bring an exotic animal into New Mexico must file an application at least four weeks in advance.
Key Considerations
Specialized Care: Many exotic animals require specialized food, habitats, and veterinary care that most private owners cannot provide.
Public Safety: Illegal animals can pose serious threats to human health and safety if they escape or are mishandled.
Animal Welfare: Illegal wildlife trafficking is a global problem that can lead to population declines, poor animal health, and the spread of diseases.
Summary Table
| Group | Animal Examples | Permit Required | Legal for Public Ownership? |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Dogs, goats, ferrets, guinea pigs | No | Yes |
| II | Turtles, frogs, certain parrots | No | Yes |
| III | Waterfowl, broad-nosed bat | Yes | Yes, with permit |
| IV | Big cats, eagles, crocodiles, bears, monkeys | Not applicable | No (except for zoos/research) |
In New Mexico, the legality of owning exotic pets depends on the species and the associated risks. While many non-threatening and domesticated animals can be kept without restriction, ownership of dangerous or endangered animals is strictly prohibited outside of scientific or zoo settings.
Always check state and local regulations before acquiring an exotic pet to ensure compliance with the law.
Sources:
- https://coronadopethospital.com/local-veterinarians-wont-be-able-to-treat-these-illegal-pets/
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/exotic-pet-laws-1238565
- https://exoticpetwonderland.org/2023/12/16/what-exotic-pets-can-i-own-in-new-mexico/
- http://7a1eb59c2270eb1d8b3d-