Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 41, October 12, 2024
(a)General. This subchapter relates to the housing and care of exotic wildlife, and public protection from exotic wildlife held or transported by a person under the act or this part.(b)Confinement. It is unlawful to maintain exotic wildlife, in confinement, in unsanitary or unsafe condition, or in a manner which results in maltreatment, mistreatment or neglect. No exotic wildlife may be confined in a pen, cage or enclosure which does not meet the minimum pen specifications in this subchapter. An animal may not be chained or tethered, or otherwise impeded from moving freely within a cage or enclosure unless otherwise indicated on the permit.(c)Housing. Exotic wildlife shall be housed in a safe and sanitary manner. Failure to provide sanitary surroundings for exotic wildlife or failure to adequately protect the public from exotic wildlife possessed under the act and this subchapter is a violation of this subchapter.(d)Bill of sale. It is unlawful for a person to possess exotic wildlife, except as provided in this subchapter, without having a bill of sale or other documentary evidence showing the name and address of the supplier of the exotic wildlife.(e)Permit. A separate exotic wildlife possession permit is required for each animal.(f)Experience required. A new applicant for an exotic wildlife possession 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 and the owner, manager or licensee of this facility shall provide a letter of reference.The provisions of this §147.261 adopted June 19, 1987, effective 7/1/1987, 17 Pa.B. 2464; amended March 25, 1994, effective 3/26/1994, 24 Pa.B. 1582; amended April 4, 2003, effective 4/5/2003, 33 Pa.B. 1714.The provisions of this §147.261 issued under the Game and Wildlife Code, 34 Pa.C.S. § 2901.