Ferrets are perhaps the most controversial pets in the United States. There are many concerns regarding their domestic nature and how they can end up threatening native wildlife. Therefore, many organizations and USA states oppose holding them as pets. Living on the west coast, especially in California, people often wonder if, and why, pet ferrets are illegal while other exotic pets are not forbidden.
Ferrets as pets are completely illegal in California. They were first outlawed in 1933 under the auspice of being an exotic animal. However, in Section 671, Title 14 (CC) clearly mentions that it is forbidden to have possession of these animals as they pose a threat to wildlife, agriculture, and public health and safety.
We believe they are decidedly NOT wild animals and they are safe as pets, but the history and experience show that these types of animals have already become a problem in California, especially when they were introduced into the state’s natural areas.
They became unmanageable and wreak havoc on California’s environment.
For that reason, on the whole, the entire law is based on the preservation of the wildlife and ecosystem, because this state is the largest food and agriculture economy in America.
According to the California Natural Resources Agency, the climate is part of the reason why these special animals are banned and have restrictions. California has an environment that suits ferrets the most and helps them thrive in the wild.
What Do Ferret Owners Think About The Ban In California?
The people of California, ferret lovers, think that the ban is needless and not appropriate at all.
They believe pet ferrets are like cats and don’t pose any serious threat to the environment.
Perhaps unfortunately, even if a domestic ferret gets loose, he doesn’t have any idea how to hunt or attack the wildlife. They rarely know how to do that. In fact, domestic ferrets are often hit by a car or attacked by predators. In most situations, they starve to death as well.
Therefore, many people think the State of California should impose some restrictions, not ban the pet completely, such as:
- Compulsory Rabies Vaccination
- State-Wide Permission Requirement
- Illegal To Sell
These restrictions will ensure that the ferret owners will always fear the knock on the door from government agents, if they break the rules and harm the ecosystem of the state in any way. But it will allow them to keep their ferrets safely at home.
What Do We Think?
We understand it is no joke that people love ferrets and are attached to them. We know that by taking care, ferrets can be quite safe to keep at home, even around children.
But we believe the reasons of the California state and officials are strong enough to keep the ban. Since if they allow some leniency, people would automatically breed and sell them for profit. It is already happening in other states where having a pet ferret is allowed.
Introducing a new species can disrupt the entire ecosystem in the long run and challenge the existence of other species.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife seconds this as well.
Can You Own A Ferret In California?
When we read the legal documents of American Ferret Association, Inc., it is mentioned that having a pet ferret is illegal in California except by a special permit which you get from the ‘Department of Fish And Game’. However, the permit is issued for specific purposes only, such as medical research or transportation. The permit doesn’t allow you to have a pet ferret.
Penalty For Having A Pet Ferret In California
Ferret fans love to challenge California’s law, but they overlook a severe punishment that they can face in court.
The penalty for having a pet ferret in California is six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Though it depends on the situation and the way you owned the ferret. The authorities can also confiscate your ferret and euthanize it. In case you already have a ferret, you can turn him over without any penalty and protect yourself.
But there are some other aspects that you need to know if the officer knocks on your door and try to seize your ferret.
According to the California Domestic Ferret Association, if a police offer knocks on your door for the search, ask for the properly signed search warrant. The warrant should show the probable cause of the search. If they don’t have the warrant, don’t allow them entry. This applies to all situations, but if you live in California and happen to be keeping one or more illegal ferrets, it’s best to make sure you look out for your pet’s safety first.
What if they have a proper search warrant that meets the entire criteria, and they find the ferret on your property? Simply do not let them make any decisions about your pet ferret.
You have the right to decide the transportation of the ferret out of the state at your expense. You can send your ferret to adoptive centers or ship them to some permanent adoptive home, in a state that allows you to have a ferret as a pet.
If you let the officer take all the decisions and handle the situation at his discretion, there is no guarantee about the safety of your ferret.
When Will Ferrets Be Legal In California?
No one has the confirmed date yet, but ferret owners and grassroots groups are fighting to make ferrets legal in California. The only option they have is to ask the state legislature to overturn the ban. However, right now it seems impossible. One bill against the ferret ban in California even made it governor’s desk, but he vetoed it.
Fortunately though, ferret owners and the ferret clubs aren’t surrendering. They are starting all over again and fighting to change the law. After all, keeping ferrets illegal in California in 2021 seems a bit outdated to some.
So, we can expect a light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel.
The key point which ferret clubs and the grassroots group have in their hands is that under the existing code, ferrets are mentioned as wild animals.
But surprisingly, the CDC, the Humane Society, and the Department of Agriculture don’t think ferrets are wild animals. Their documents classify ferrets as domestic pets.
On this basis, we also think ferrets can be legal in California.
We can expect good news soon.