It is illegal to own a ferret as a pet in California.
This law has been controversial with many people arguing that ferrets are not a threat to local ecosystems and should be allowed as pets.
The reasons for the ban include concerns that ferrets could become pests if released into the wild and a 1988 report from the California Department of Health Services which said that when ferrets play they launch mock attacks and could end up biting humans.
Violating this law can result in monetary fines criminal charges and even jail time.
Despite decades of attempts by ferret advocates to get the state of California to change their status it remains illegal to own a ferret as a pet in California.
Reasons Behind the Ban
The reasons for the ban include concerns that ferrets could become pests if released into the wild and a 1988 report from the California Department of Health Services which said that when ferrets play they launch mock attacks and could end up biting humans.
In addition the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is responsible for protecting the state’s native wildlife and the department has long been concerned about the potential for ferrets to endanger native species by preying on birds rodents and other small animals.
Arguments Against the Ban
Supporters of ferrets as pets argue that the animals are no more dangerous than other small animals such as cats and dogs.
They also argue that ferrets have been domesticated for centuries and that they can actually be good companions providing loyal and affectionate companionship.
Furthermore ferret owners are willing to comply with regulations that would ensure their pets are not released into the wild and some advocate for the implementation of a licensing system for ferret owners.
Violations and Punishments
Violating the law by owning a ferret as a pet in California can result in monetary fines criminal charges and even jail time.
This is a serious offense and so it is important to be aware of the risks of owning a ferret in California.
The Impacts of the Ban
The ban on ferrets as pets in California has had a dramatic impact on the ferret population in the state.
Many ferrets have been abandoned or surrendered to animal shelters and some have been handed off to illegal pet owners.
Sadly this has also resulted in an increase in the number of homeless ferrets in the state.
Recent Efforts to Reverse the Ban
In recent years there have been a number of attempts to get the state of California to reverse the ban on ferrets as pets.
Efforts have included petitions lobbying and even legislation that would allow ferrets as pets in California.
Unfortunately these efforts have not yet been successful.
A Growing National Trend
Other states across the country have been loosening their restrictions on ferrets as pets.
In fact ferrets are now legal to own as pets in all but seven states (New York California Hawaii Washington D.C.
Alaska and Guam).
This is a positive trend and it is hoped that one day California will also reverse its ban on ferrets as pets.
The Future of Ferrets as Pets in California
The future of ferrets as pets in California is still uncertain.
Despite decades of attempts by ferret advocates to get the state to change its stance the ban remains in place and ferrets remain illegal in the state.
Only time will tell if the ban will eventually be reversed allowing ferrets to be kept as pets in California once again.