What Exotic Pets Are Legal in Wisconsin:Completely Guide
One thing that makes Wisconsin stand out as an exotic pet owning state is the it is relatively lenient on the laws governing this practice.
Although some animals may be regulated or prohibited locally, there are not many exotic species prohibited throughout Wisconsin, giving the residents the interesting opportunity to be the keepers of a variety of animals.
This article explores what is legal in Wisconsin regarding keeping exotic pets right from what restricts one from owning an exotic pet to what one must expect in its entirety when seeking to own an exotic animal.
General Information on Exotic Pet Possession in Wisconsin
Exotic Pet Laws of Wisconsin
"Wild pets in Wisconsin: Big cats, primates, and more—check local rules!"
By
all standards, Wisconsin enjoys occupying one of the more favorable positions
when it comes to keeping exotic pets.
Many states have laws that are severe or
at least restrictive, requiring extensive permits or banning specific animals
in toto, but, for the most part, Wisconsin state law is not particularly
rigorous.
Due to lack of a comprehensive law regulating the keeping of exotic
animals any resident of the state can legally keep a very diverse array of
animals that a re often prohibited in other states.
However
while the state laws are rather liberal on this matter the local authorities
can and often do pass their own ordinances.
Possession of potentially hazardous
exotic pets may be restricted or prohibited by laws enforced by cities, towns,
or counties.
Hence anyone interested in keeping an exotic animal as a pet ought
to understand the legal regulations in his state so as to know whether the pet
is legal in the area or not.
Animals Legal Exotic Pets in Wisconsin
"Exotic pets allowed in Wisconsin—check local rules!"
Generally,
all legal exotic pets in Wisconsin that are in this list can be possessed
without much restrictions at the state level.
Here are some examples of exotic
pets you can legally keep:Here are some examples of exotic pets you can legally
keep:
Primates: Monkeys, lemurs, and any other types of primates are allowed to be owned. Such animals are rather difficult to keep as pets because of their intelligence and social nature.
Big Cats: Trading in large cats such as tiger and lions, leopard and other large cats as legal in Wisconsin though there are certain safety measures or housing conditions that need to be observed.
Exotic Birds: Other non-native avian species such as parrots, macaws, cockatoos and others akin to them can be imported without the statewide permit.
Reptiles: Boa constrictors, pythons, and iguanas are some of the large reptiles that will be permitted in the premises. Some poisonous snakes including the cobras and vipers are permitted but may be restricted.
Small Mammals: Sugar gliders, fennec foxes, hedgehogs, etc., are legal to own as pets. These are the animals that may be lesser controlled but need to be prescribed with some specific attention.
In reference to the second hypothesis
Like
any other state, Wisconsin has limited legislation when it comes to exotic
pets; nevertheless, some of the animals could need further permits, or
Wisconsin in general could place general restrictions for the health of the
public and their safety.
For example, a person may have to keep a dangerous
animal like a venomous snake or a large mammal with special accommodation
requirements, or demonstrate the ability to cover for the costs of medical care
in case others are attacked.
Certain
municipalities in Wisconsin can also have prohibitions toward having dangerous
animals including but not limited to; bears, wolves, or even alligators.
If the
kind of exotic pet you want to buy is in any of those categories, you should
consult with the wildlife department before you go on and buy the pet.
Availability of Legal Requirements for Exotic Pet Ownership in Wisconsin
Local Ordinances, and Zoning Regulation
Although
Wisconsin state law is not very STRINGENT when it comes to exotic pets, many
localities are.
Local ordinances are generally permitted to be more restrictive
than the state, and consequently, many cities or municipalities outlaw such
potentially dangerous animals as big cats, or wolves, or other predators.
A
city or residential areas may also have code of regulations which bars the
keeping of exotic animals.
For example:
Madison: Private persons of Madison possess certain restricted creatures that have been prohibited by the local law consists of bears, big cats and poisonous snakes.
Milwaukee: Restrictions are also presented in Milwaukee for keeping some exotic animals with regards to the size and the danger factor that these animals possess.
Hence, obtain necessary information as to whether the local laws permit you to own the chosen exotic pet.
Neighbors may also have something to say about the nature of animals to be reared especially where these are large or are considered to be dangerous and should therefore be reared at a secure place away from residential areas.
A proper safety and housing standard
"Proper safety and housing protect both exotic pets and people."
Wisconsin
has specific laws about housing for the exotic animal, and while most of the
species will not need specific housing, more massive or dangerous animals, will
need safe living space.
Such premises also have to be secure against the
animal’s escape and should also meet all its physiological and psychological
requirements.
How to get an exotic pet license in Tennessee
For example:
Big
Cats: In the case where you intend to keep a tiger or lion, it is mandatory
that the enclosure that is allocated to the catis big enough to accommodate the
animals typical activities such as walking and climbing.
Moreover, it has to be
safe enough to would ensure that the perpetrator cannot escape and, at the same
time, safeguard the society.
Primates:
Monkeys and other primates need to be interacted with through socialization,
they need stimulating environment and need a cage that resembles the natural
habitat of those animals.
Most animals especially puppies, if left alone or not
well taken care of, they develop such behaviors.
Reptiles: These large reptiles especially snakes require secure and escape proof accommodation for temperature and relative humidity of the habitat.
Fines can be imposed or the animal confiscated, or legal action taken where theimperative housing and safety standards are not met particularly in situations where ananimal escapes or causes an injury.
Veterinary Care and Insurance
Because exotic animal veterinary services are still scarce, they are even rarer in rural areas. Before you buy the animal, you should find a vet who is familiar with your exotic species of interest. Most exotics have peculiarities that most veterinarians who refer to dogs and cats cannot effectively deal with. This relates to knowledge concerning feeding, health disorders and health promotion.
Also,
you most likely have to carry the liability insurance in case the animal is
framed as dangerous or high-risk, such as big cats or venomous snakes. This
insurance is usually purchased in case the animal is likely to harm the public
in case it is released or in case it harms itself.
Pros And Cons exotic pets in Wisconsin
Pros
Diverse Animal Choices: Wisconsin is one of the states that permit the ownership of several exotic pets than most of the other states thus exposing the residents to different exotic pets.
No Statewide Permits: Unfortunately, due to the absence of the provisions of the law at a state level, it is simpler and cheaper to obtain unique animals.
Freedom for Responsible Owners: These laws give a free rein and enable many sensible people to look after and appreciate unique and exotic creatures without state interference.
Cons
Local Restrictions: While most of the state laws are rather liberal, local regulations may exist prohibiting the possession of some of the exotic animals.
High Care Costs: Exotic pets may experience certain difficulties sometimes, such as living conditions, medical check-ups and treatments and feeding which may be costly.
Safety Risks: Having big or incorrectly tamed animals means exposing oneself to certain risks. These animals can turn rogue and endanger owners or the public at large in the process.
Legal Liability: People who own these strange pets can find themselves in a lot of trouble if their ‘pet’ runs amok and hurts someone, or if their pet is against the law in some way.
FAQs
Q: Can I Possess A Tiger In Wisconsin?
Yes, it is legal to own a tiger in Wisconsin but you have to follow an exact set of laws as far as enclosures and living conditions are concerned.
Q: Permit Required for Exotic Pet Possession?
For most of the proposed exotic pets in the state of Wisconsin, one does not need to apply for a state permit. Nevertheless, local regulation may require one to acquire a permit concerning specific animals.
Q: Own venomous snakes?
Yes, you are allowed to own a venomous snake in Wisconsin state but it is possible that some local municipalities may have some form of restriction or complete ban to owning the snake.
Q: Are Primates Legal in Wisconsin?
Facts and Figures
State Laws: With few restrictions on owning exotic pets, Wisconsin has some of the least prohibitive laws in United States.
Local Regulations: Cities and counties can have laws that are even more rigid than the state laws as regards to exotic animals.
Housing Requirements: Tigers and lions are relatively large in size thus they require quality large and spacious areas to live in.
Permit Requirements: In most states these animals are legal and a state permit is not needed, but there might be local permits that are required.
Veterinary
Care: Most of the veterinarians for exotic animals are hard to come by and will
cost a lot of money to attend to your animals.
Conclusion
- One of the most Chimphelter of the states that allow the possession of exotic pets is Wisconsin owing to its relaxed laws on ownership of exotic pets.
- Whether it concerns big cats, primates or venomous snakes, the list of the permitted species of exotic pets is quite wide.
- Nevertheless, there is not much regulation from the state as to owning such animals, but the prospect owners have to consider local ordinances, meet the housing standard, and know that they are capable of providing the animals with the care that these animals require.
- As much as owning an exotic animal in Wisconsin can be fun, it calls for the responsibility as is seen next.
- As it shown the preparation, the research and commitment are required for the pet and for the safety of the community as well.