Roderick C. Lopez | October 11, 2024 | Texas Law
The idea of owning an exotic or unusual animal is exciting. It’s easy to understand why someone might want to snuggle with a baby tiger or enjoy the human-like antics of a chimpanzee in their home. However, the laws governing exotic pet ownership are designed to keep people, animals, and Texas ecosystems safe.
Pet owners are legally responsible for their pets’ actions. If your pet injured someone or caused their death, you may owe financial compensation. If that pet is considered illegal in Texas, the legal ramifications can be even more serious.
Prohibited Or Allowed With A Permit?
Many animals that might be considered illegal as pets can be kept with the correct permits. The Texas Department of State Health Services has specific requirements for those interested in keeping dangerous animals. A certificate of registration is required for these and other wild animals:
- Chimpanzees
- Bobcats
- Baboons
- Bears
It was once legal to own a tiger and other big cats like lions and cheetahs in Texas. However, the Big Cat Public Safety Act was enacted in 2022 and prohibits ownership of most wild felines. A Residential Controlled Exotic Snake Permit is required to legally keep several species of snake, including exotic venomous snakes and different types of pythons.
Threatened And Endangered Animals
It’s a well-known fact that dog bites can be serious and even deadly. However, owning certain wild animals like black bears and wolves is not only dangerous to others but can also cause harm to the animals.
Threatened and endangered animals are illegal to keep as pets in Texas. Under Texas law, any animal on the endangered or threatened species list is under state protection and cannot be kept as a pet.
1. Wolves
Wolves are on the Texas endangered species list, and it is illegal to own one. Wolves are relatives of dogs, but they pose a danger to humans and other animals. Owning a wolf is a violation of the endangered species law. Wolf hybrids — sometimes referred to as wolf dogs — are not regulated and are legal in Laredo with the correct permits.
2. Ocelots
Ocelots are medium-sized wild cats with spotted coats. Though they were once common in the state, there are now only two known populations still surviving in southern Texas. Ocelots may look like overgrown house cats, but they are fierce predators with a strong hunting instinct.
If you owned an ocelot before the enactment of the Big Cat Public Safety Act, you may qualify for special exemptions.
3. Diamondback Terrapins
Reptile lovers often seek out unusual or hard-to-find species for their collections. The diamondback terrapin is a beautiful example.
Native to the Gulf of Mexico, the East Coast of the U.S., and Bermuda, the diamondback terrapin can be found in aquatic habitats. This species of terrapin is only legal to own if you have a zoological or educational permit. Pet ownership is not allowed.
4. Black Bears
Black bears are on the Texas threatened species list and are protected. The general public cannot hunt, kill, own, buy, or sell them.
5. Northern Aplomado Falcons
Falconry is a popular activity that is legal in Texas with the right permits. However, not all types of falcons are legal to own. The northern aplomado falcon is federally classified as endangered. Once abundant in Texas, this falcon disappeared in the 1930s. Careful conservation has brought the northern aplomado back to Texas, where around 100 of the falcons now live.
Enjoy Pet Ownership Within The Law
The thought of owning a dangerous or endangered animal may be appealing, but the consequences can be deadly. Just as Texans are expected to follow traffic laws to prevent car accidents, they are also expected to follow pet ownership laws to prevent harm.
If you’re uncertain about the legality of owning a specific animal, check with the Fish and Wildlife Department in Laredo for more information.
Contact the Laredo Personal Injury Lawyers at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you are in Laredo, TX, and need legal help, contact our Laredo personal injury attorneys at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers
6557 Metro Court, Suite 1 Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 529-7336
