Like ferrets, gerbils are popular pets in the United States. However, California`s climate resembles the natural desert habitat of a gerbil. As a result, state officials are concerned that gerbils that escape or are released into the wild could establish wild colonies that would harm native crops and plants and animals. This makes keeping a gerbil illegal in California. The remaining 40 states have some sort of restriction on greyhound ownership. In summary, greyhounds are not legal in California. While they may not be the best pet for everyone, they can be wonderful companions for the right person. If you are interested in owning a greyhound, you should definitely do your research and find an experienced breeder who can help you find the right dog for your lifestyle and needs. Answer: I think so. Greyhounds are legal in California and that`s probably what any “wolf” would be if someone not affiliated with the zoo bought one. In general, greyhounds are considered dangerous animals and can be confiscated by animal control officers or state wildlife officers if they live in an unauthorized environment or are not properly contained. I noticed that a person who asks the question in the title may not know how much wolf DNA is in the dog they want to adopt as a pet. This is because there is informal mating between wolves and dogs that produce hybrids.

This happens more often near human settlements, where wolf population density is low and dogs are common. I wonder if a DNA test could be arranged. There would have to be evidence that the animal was partly a wolf and partly a domestic dog. Several states define wolf hybrids as wild animals and restrict private property. Possession of wolf hybrids is restricted in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Virginia. Some states require permits, some set minimum standards for hybrid wolf enclosures, and some have strict rabies laws that can result in your pet being destroyed if it bites someone. Check with your status for details. Ratites are a group of large, flightless birds that include ostrich, emu, rhea and cassowary, the latter being a more dangerous species and susceptible to attack than most illegal mammals.

Ostriches are sometimes kept for pleasure, but are often considered alternative cattle bred for their meat. The short answer to this question is no, wolves are currently not illegal in California. However, it is a protected species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA), which means it is illegal to kill, harass, or injure a wolf in any way. Wolf populations in California are still relatively small, and as a result, there has been some debate about whether or not they should be removed from the CESA list. If you`re considering an exotic animal, check out this list of crazy, weird, crazy, and strange animals that are legal and illegal in California. We hope you never face the loss of a beloved pet or criminal charges for keeping an illegal pet in California. However, if you do, or if you or a loved one is accused of violating California`s animal cruelty laws, we`re here to help. We are headquartered in Los Angeles, but we have offices all over the state. Simply contact us using the form on this page or call our nearest office for a free consultation with one of our caring California criminal defense attorneys.

(See our related article, What is Animal Abuse in California?) Some states treat wolf hybrids like pets. As of August 2013, these were Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Some of these states have restrictions on the maximum percentage of wolves an animal can contain to be considered a hybrid, and some assume that an animal that looks like a wolf is more likely to be a wolf than a hybrid. Contact your state`s wildlife department to find out which laws apply to your situation. So before you bring that sugar glider, fur ranch fox, or Quaker parakeet to California, it`s worth knowing that these are illegal pets in California. These five cute and popular — but forbidden — creatures are also illegal: Fortunately, Californians are rarely prosecuted for illegal possession of exotic animals. However, the State of California has the right to remove any illegal pets from you. Depending on the species, this can result in your illegal California pet being rehabilitated and released into the wild, sent to a foster care facility, or even sold to a laboratory or euthanized. Even in states that treat wolf hybrids as pets, counties and cities are allowed to pass stricter regulations or ban animal ownership altogether. District and city ordinances change frequently.

Contact your local animal control office for current restrictions for your potential pet. Animal Laws » 5 Illegal Pets as Pets in California » 5 Illegal Pets as Pets in California The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) recommends that greyhounds be kept indoors with at least two people per pet and supervised at all times. Answer: Pangolins are heavily traded and zoos struggle to keep them alive. No one has them. If they did, they would be illegal in California. Call our law firm for legal advice. We offer free consultations. If you have been injured by an exotic animal such as a wolf or wolf hybrid, you may be entitled to compensation. Pet owners are responsible for the actions of their pets, and you can get a settlement regardless of the fines a culprit incurs in civil court.