Why does California have so many exotic pet laws?

Question

I live in California and when ever I see info about an exotic pet, it always says"illegal in California"It's so annoying!

What about the fennec fox?

I remember at a schơl a kindergarden teacher owned a hedgehog.

Answer 1

I live in Canberra, Australia and have found that I have had similar situations. I cannot get 'short-necked turtles' cos they can go feral in my suburb, it's probably the same reason for you.

The law would of changed since you were in kindergarten.

Answer 2

It is something like Florida should do. There are too many irresponsible exotic pet owners. When an exotic pet gets too large or is inconvenient to take care of, the pet owner lets it go into the wild. It screws up the natural order of the area. After Hurricane Andrew, there has been a growth in the wild of Iguanas, Pythons, and other reptiles that are not normally part of Florida's eco-structure.

That is what California is trying to prevent. Someday, you should go do a little research on Guam to find out what happens when certain exotic pets go loose in a part of the world that it does not belong in.

Answer 3

Haha, I know your pain. There are some exotic pets that I would LOVE to have, such as a Keel-Billed Toucan, but so many animals are not allowed here in Australia. And the exotic pets that are allowed cost 9 times more here than in the US. The reason here is due to importation laws, mostly.
(in one of our states, they aren't even allowed to have pet rabbits! Due to the rabbit pest problem here)

I don't know why they aren't allowed in California though. But it sucks. And fennec foxes are illegal in California too.

(by the way, I have nothing against owning exotic pets as long as they are cared for properly, I don't support keeping a pet just because it's 'cool' and then neglecting it)

Answer 4

Because California is a progressive state that will not allow animals to be exploited. Very few people know how to take care of exotic pets nor do they have the room. These animals are either dumped or abused. More states should take this stand and many more animals would be saved and allowed to live in their natural environment.

Answer 5

If it is against the law, why do you want to break it? These laws are in place to protect the animals from people just like you who ignore them. How irrestponsible and selfish of you. I hope they are VERY strict. I volunteer in a wild animal hospital. It is shocking to see what damage is done to animals that people keep because they think it "cool" to have an exotic. So very many have to be euthanized, as their health has been compromised by humans. People who know nothing about the animal, what food they require, proper housing. Bone disease, malnourished, the list is long! Imagine this: living in a cage for the rest of your life, in the home of an animal you consider a predator. Never to interact with others of your own species, never able to mate, raise young, have the safety of companionship of another, behave in a natural way. Get a gerbil.

Answer 6

In California, agriculture is also a big concern. Non-native species have caused a lot of damages to crops in other countries, and with so much food grown here it's not a risk our officials wish to take.

Answer 7

California thinks they are in danger agriculture-wise. Even gerbils are banned. Apparently they think there is some chance gerbils will eat their crops so they ban them. However, 49 other states have gerbils and I haven't heard of any mass infestation and crop eating as of yet.

Answer 8

Because that's where most of your exotic pets are going to be found.

Answer 9

I know it sucks. I cant buy anything that is interesting ferrets,sugar gliders ,even HEDGEHOGS. sometimes I think california is SO boring and restraining.

Answer 10

da its a city california is a city dom