UPDATE 2/8/2011

Pa. Rep. seeks to ban exotic pets

Posted: Feb 07, 2011 3:18 PM PST Updated: Feb 07, 2011 3:18 PM PST

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) - Lions and tigers and bears could no longer be kept as pets under a bill proposed by a Pennsylvania lawmaker.

Rep. Ed Staback, D-Lackawanna/Wayne, said he intends to introduce legislation that would ban the personal ownership those animals and others; including leopards, wolves and primates.

Staback said residents who have been issued an exotic animal permit from the Pennsylvania Game Commission would be allowed to keep their pets, but no new permits would be awarded

 http://www.abc27.com/Global/story.asp?S=13985868

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Pennsylvania Regulations on Wild and Exotic Felines

Pennsylvania Game Commission
2001 Elmerton AveHarrisburg, PA 17110
717-783-8164
State Web Site: http://www.state.pa.us/PAPower/
Department Web Site: http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/

Regulations: Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes GAME AND WILDLIFE CODE (TITLE 34) Chapter 29 Subchapter D -PERMITS RELATING TO WILDLIFE. http://members.aol.com/RulesPA/34.html
Pennsylvania Code Chapter 147
Special Permits SubChapter 147.261 Possession Permit
Special Permits SubChapter 147.241 Wildlife Dealer

Short Summary: Experience required. A new applicant for an exotic wildlife possession permit and for an exotic wildlife dealer permit shall provide documentation of at least 2 years experience of hands-on work with the designated species, including care, feeding, handling, training and husbandry. This experience shall be from a recognized/approved facility by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the owner, manager or licensee of this facility shall provide a letter of reference.

Exotic Wildlife Possession Permit ($50.00 per animal) that does not allow breeding and sale.

Exotic Wildlife Dealer Permit ($200.00) does allow breeding and resale.

Wildlife Menagerie Permit ($100) allows possession of cats as well as many other species, but to qualify, facility must be open to the public and charge a fee.

PA Game Commission has caging, housing, bill of sale, sanitation and general requirements to be met to qualify for permit. PA Game Commissioned Officer inspects facilities prior to permit approval.

Exotic Wildlife Possession Permit requires inspection by Pennsylvania Game Commissioned Officer prior to receiving animal.

Exotic Wildlife Dealer Permit allows the importation and possession of wildlife, but a separate permit must be applied for each animal.

Importation permit required to bring in animals from out of state.