Why are Hedgehogs Illegal in California?

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Why are Hedgehogs Illegal in California?

Hedgehogs and ferrets are only two exotic animals which are being domesticated as pets. Although some places allow their citizens to own them, there are still some states that don’t and one of them is the state of California although there are still those who sell them in the ‘black market’.

The hedgehog or more specifically the African Pygmy hedgehog which is bred and commonly sold at pet shops is illegal in the entire state of California. Not just California but in other US states such as Georgia, Hawaii, Nebraska, New York City, Virginia and Utah. While in the states of Arizona, Maine, Wyoming, Wisconsin, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, a permit is required to own a hedgehog.

California banned the owning of hedgehogs because of they have a law that makes all animals not listed as ‘legal’ under State law as ‘illegal’ by default not until the Department of Fish and Game of California is willing to consider them as legal in status. Until then, they will be confiscated and banned as pets.

Other reasons for banning may include the following:

The state of California is well-known for being a closed country to most exotic pets. This law is concrete and has no chances of changing.

Hedgehogs are termed as ‘detrimental animals’. As they are not native wild animals, they pose as a threat to the natural existing ecosystem. They also threaten the agricultural interests of the state.

There is also the issue of public health and safety as some hedgehogs can become carriers of ‘foot and mouth disease’ which is a highly contagious disease among cloven-hooved animals.

In conclusion, the legality of owning hedgehogs in California depends on their State law. But as of today, hedgehogs are banned in the entire state of California.

Author: joanna

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2 Responses

  1. Alison

    June 16, 2012 6:59 pm

    This is article has a few untruths represented in it– It is illegal to own hedgehogs in California, Georgia, Hawaii, Arizona (without permit), Maine, and Pennsylvania. They are also illegal in the 5 Boroughs of New York City and Douglas County, Nebraska. It IS legal to own hedgehogs in Utah and Virginia!

    Hedgehogs are illegal in California because of their strict NO EXOTICS law. Hedgehogs are not specifically listed in the law, but fall under it by default. The domestic African Pygmy Hedgehog is incapable of surviving in the wild in California. Unfortunately, uneducated law makers failed to note that APHs and the European hedgehog, which would actually be a viable threat, are in no way the same animal, and that European hedgehogs are already illegal in all states. APHs are not able to survive temperatures under 70 degrees or over 85 (even 80 degrees is a little too hot), and so are incapable of colonizing. They also are insectivores and pose no threat to agricultural interests (contrary to the old wives’ tale about hedgehogs stealing milk– this is patently false, as hedgehogs are lactose intolerant).

    Reply
    • Jay Dude

      December 10, 2013 12:11 pm

      Hello obviously you have a love of these amazing little pure spirits. My wife And I would love to add two to our family , could you steer us in the right direction? We live in Santa
      Cruz ca, and I could care
      Less
      About politicians BS laws. We fell in love with them a
      Whole back but can’t seem to find a couple to
      Buy. Let me know please? I’m Jay and my email is [email protected]

      Peace

      J

      Reply

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