If Ferrets Are Illegal, What States?

It was in the 1980’s when people started to notice ferrets. Originally, many places and areas in the United States imposed a statewide ban against ferrets. However, most of these laws were abolished due to the increasing number of ferret enthusiasts and advocates.

So, are ferrets illegal? Yes, in certain places these creatures are clearly the subjects of impositions and prohibitions cautioning people not to own, breed or import ferrets from neighboring lands.

In the United States alone, there are specific states that impose similar bans namely Hawaii and California. However, you have to understand that certain laws have specific rules and do not totally consider ferrets illegal. Such laws are particularly practiced in areas such as New York, Washington, Illinois, Georgia and Rhode Island.

For instance, while the Californian government considers ferrets illegal, similar restrictions are likewise imposed in New York and Washington, DC. There are other states wherein a person needs to have a required permit to be able to own a ferret. This list includes Illinois and Rhode Island. On the contrary, the residents of Georgia may not necessarily need a permit to own a ferret, but a permit is very much needed if you are about to breed these domestic pets.

Dallas, Texas used to consider ferrets illegal as domestic pets. Nowadays, this imposition has been altered since the current Dallas City Code primarily encourages and regulates vaccination of ferret pets.

As for areas where ferrets are considered legal, ferret enthusiasts might find Wisconsin as the most ideal place. However, when it comes to importation of ferrets, a relative permit must be secured from the State Department of Agriculture.

With regards to California as the main point of concern, the state has been implementing a ban that considers ferrets illegal since 1933. The First State Law which restricts the importation of animals refers to a defined animal list also known as the ‘Wild Animal’ list. This supposedly includes ferrets along with other types of captive-bred, domesticated and wild animals.

As years pass, various groups have been trying their best to change the minds of political figures in California. With the state continuously considering ferrets illegal, non-profit organizations and advocacy groups have been vying for a supposed reevaluation of existing laws and restrictions. But up to this day, the only fruit that comes out of their innermost efforts are talks and open forums.

Many ferret enthusiasts believe that to consider ferrets illegal is nothing but a downright insult. To these people, a clear distinction has to be made regarding the difference between a wild animal and a domestic pet. Moreover, to consider ferrets illegal and define them as pests, evidently shows nothing but ignorance and lack of proper information. Clearly, this is another reason why an ongoing battle between ferret advocates and legislators still ensues.