Index
NY Environmental Conservation Law § 11-0512
Summary
New York State prohibits the possession, sale, or transport of 'wild animals' as pets, including big cats, venomous reptiles, and primates.
Rights & Rules
- 01.You may keep animals designated as 'domestic' or those not on the prohibited list (like most common birds and hamsters).
- 02.Owners who had these animals before the 2005 ban were required to register them to maintain legal possession.
Penalties
- 01.Civil penalties starting at $500 per day of violation.
- 02.Seizure and relocation of the prohibited animal at the owner's expense.
Verified Citations
NY ECL § 11-0512
Source"No person shall knowingly possess, harbor, sell, barter, transfer, exchange or import any wild animal as a pet."