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"Education is the Key to Long-Term Successful Relationships Between Pets & Owners" |
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| Dog | Cat | Reptile | Bird | Exotic | Info Key | Links | |
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Make Sure the Exotic Pet You Are Considering is Legal Where You Live
EXOTIC PETS ARE ILLEGAL IN MASSACHUSETTS If you think an exotic animal like a tiger, monkey, alligator, sugar glider or piranha would make a great pet or holiday gift, think again. Massachusetts has very strict regulations governing the possession of both native and exotic wildlife by the general public. According to MassWildlife Assistant Director Dr. Tom French, "Many people assume that any animal they can purchase in another state or over the Internet is legal to possess in Massachusetts. This is simply not true. Our regulations are restrictive to the point that we publish only what you may possess, rather than what you may not. Our goal with these regulations is to protect both the interests of wildlife and the public." French recommends doing business with established and reputable pet shops rather than surfing the net or scanning the classifieds where sellers are not necessarily concerned or aware of the laws that might affect potential buyers. "Store owners keep up with the laws and are routinely inspected by the Environmental Police," French notes. "The store owners were an effective lobby for making domestic ferrets a legal pet in Massachusetts and know their livelihood depends on doing business by the book. They'll be happy to sell you reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish and mammals that conform with our laws, and they'll tell you if something you ask about is illegal." The complete regulation, known as the Exemption List, is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed, legal-sized envelope to: Exemption List, MassWildlife, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, Westboro, MA 01581. Exemption refers to those species which are exempt from licensing provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Section 23. Only museums, nature centers or educational institutions are granted permits for non-exempt species. For more information contact Dr. Tom French, 508.792.7270 x163. (From the State of Massachusetts website)
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