Why are ferrets illegal in California and which states allow ferrets?
The argument against ferrets is based on the preservation of California's wildlife ecosystem. According to the Department of Fish and Wildfire, California "is home to the largest food and agriculture economy in the nation" and "is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world." Therefore, the introduction of exotic, alien, or invasive species is a serious concern in California."
The only other statewide ban on ferrets exists in Hawaii.
What does the proposed 2016 ballot measure on ferret legalization call for?
The initiative now circulating would legalize possession and transportation of the ferret. It would also require all ferrets sold as pets in retail stores to be spayed or neutered prior to sale, and pet ferrets older than six months be vaccinated against rabies annually.
Counties would be authorized to impose a $100 license fee on purchasers of ferrets as pets, which would go toward the cost of local animal control enforcement. Additional costs on local agencies to enforce the new law would total a few million dollars annually statewide and would likely be funded mostly or fully by the associated license fee.
What wildlife species are illegal in California without a permit?
Gerbils, sugar gliders, all types of hedgehog, monk parakeets, monkeys and chimpanzees.
Here's a full list of the animals you can't have as a pet in the state.
Are veterinarians allowed to provide ferrets with medical care?
Since 2003, any uncertainty surrounding whether illegal wildlife may be treated by a veterinarian was clarified. Wildlife that are illegal to import, transport or possess in California may be treated without risk. Before this clarification, there was uncertainty over whether vets could "possess" the animals while hospitalized. But all animal bites inflicted on a person are required to be reported by vets.
California's regulations state, "No veterinarian, registered veterinary technician, or unregistered assistant working under the supervision of a veterinarian, has a duty to advise law enforcement if he or she becomes aware that one or more of the animals is possessed in the state."
Why do stores sell products to care for ferrets if they're illegal?
Even though they are illegal, you'll still find ferret-related products at local pet stores, such as Petco. This is because those items could possibly be used for other animals and some stores, like Petco, are nationwide and maintain a similar inventory in all of their locations.
Have lawmakers tried to legalize ferrets in the past?
About four bills from 1994 through 1999 aimed to legalize pet ferrets, but each failed passage from the Legislature. Another bill in 2004 made it to the governor's desk, but was vetoed by former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger because he said in his veto message the bill was, "too bureaucratic and it legalizes ferrets prior to conducting an environmental impact report."
