Owning exotic pets in New York is a complex issue with significant differences between New York State and New York City, as well as specific regulations on which animals are allowed and which are prohibited.
New York State: Exotic Pet Ownership
General Rule: Most wild animals are illegal to own as pets in New York State. This includes all members of the felidae family (except domestic cats), canidae (except domestic dogs), bears, non-human primates, venomous reptiles, and crocodilians.
Permit System: For certain exotic animals not considered “wild” under state law, ownership may be allowed with a permit or license from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). These permits are required for animals such as porcupines, ferrets, hedgehogs, coatimundis, binturongs, axolotls, fennec foxes, kinkajous, wallabies, kangaroos, hyenas, sloths, and capybaras.
Penalties: Owning a prohibited animal or failing to obtain the required permit can result in fines up to $500 per offense, imprisonment for up to one year, or both, and the animal may be seized.
Dangerous Animals: Owners of animals capable of inflicting bodily harm must exercise due care to protect the public, or face strict liability for any attacks.
New York City: Stricter Restrictions
Almost All Exotics Banned: New York City has much stricter regulations. Most farm, wild, and exotic animals are banned outright as pets, including many that are allowed in the rest of the state with a permit.
Common Pets Only: Even animals like ferrets are illegal in NYC, which is much more restrictive than the rest of the state.
Summary Table
| Location | Wild Animals (e.g., big cats, bears, primates) | Certain Exotics with Permit (e.g., porcupines, kangaroos) | Penalties for Violation |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York State | Prohibited | Allowed with permit/license | Fines, jail, seizure |
| New York City | Prohibited | Most prohibited | Fines, seizure |
Key Takeaways
-Wild animals are generally illegal to own in New York State and absolutely in New York City.
-Some exotic animals are allowed in New York State with a permit, but not in New York City.
-Permits are required and must be obtained from the DEC; failure to comply can result in severe penalties.
-Always check with local authorities and the DEC before acquiring an exotic pet.
If you are considering owning an exotic animal, it is essential to verify current laws and permit requirements, as regulations can change and may differ by county or municipality.
Sources:
- https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ny-exotic-chapter-43-b-consolidated-laws-0
- https://worldanimalfoundation.org/advocate/legal-exotic-pets-in-new-york/
- https://a-z-animals.com/pets/pet-lists/exotic-animals-you-can-own-in-new-york/
- https://discover.hubpages.com/animals/10-Exotic-Pets-legal-in-New-York