why are hedgehogs illegal in georgia

Campaigning for the bill’s passage included a petition and Facebook page. Contact MassWildlife in case you have any questions regarding these lists of domestic animals. Hedgehog ownership activists say that in order for hedgehogs to be legalized in Georgia, more buy-in from veterinarians and exotic pet experts will be needed. The state of Georgia has deemed hedgehog ownership illegal for state citizens, however, it is perfectly legal for a licensed breeder to breed in Georgia. Why are hedgehogs illegal in some places? Brown tree snakes aren’t in the contiguous United States of america. Food is an excellent enticement. Hedgehogs are also especially prone to spreading foot and mouth disease as well as rabies, chlamydia, pseudotuberculosis, and other fungal and bacterial diseases. Their habits and needs should be respected, Is it Legal To Own A Kangaroo? There isn't really a reason for hedgehogs to be illegal in California. This state actually had some problem with this about ten years ago. The bill was reintroduced to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2017 and failed for a second time. Exotic Pets As with different areas of the Earth, exotic pets stay popular in the USA. It seems they are concerned that escaped pet animals may set up a resident wild population. If you want to move out of Georgia to be able to own your hedgehog, you won’t be able to go to California; Hawaii; New York City; Washington, D.C.; Australia; or Singapore. America is the greatest importer of live coral on the planet. Oddly enough, licensed breeders are allowed, but any hedgehogs sold as pets must be shipped out of state. It’s legal to get a hedgehog in the majority of states around the States. Hedgehogs, those small and prickly little creatures, are no longer illegal to own in Fairfax County. Additionally, pet stores which sell these animals haven’t any obligation to confirm the legality of private ownership with buyers. What Stores in Atlanta Can I Take My Dog Into. It seems they are concerned that escaped pet animals may set up a resident wild population. You’re likely to need to locate a vet who’s ready to take care of bats in the very first place, and you’re likely to pay up lots of money. However, they cannot be sold in to a citizen of the state, the hedghog must be shipped to another state. While it’s forbidden to own individual hedgehogs as pets, it is legal to breed hedgehogs in the state of Georgia as long as the breeder has a permit, though the bred hedgehogs must be sold in other states. For some time the State of Georgia was unclear on their attitude toward hedgehogs. Oddly enough, licensed breeders are allowed, but any hedgehogs sold as pets must be shipped out of state. Hedgehogs for instant are currently illegal to keep due to people's fear of them naturalizing in California (which isn't true), but rats and mice aren't native and were already introduced to California, as well as causing more impact than hedgehogs, but are still legal as pets, so there's no point of making hedgehogs as pets illegal. The spiny mammals are also illegal to keep as pets in Washington, DC, and all five boroughs of New York City. Thank you Anywhere inconvenient that you reach. For some time the State of Georgia was unclear on their attitude toward hedgehogs. Hawaii This, coupled with a general aversion to more exotic pets in many places, has led to some bans and restrictions on the ownership of hedgehogs as pets. This petition had 53 supporters. Not only are hedgehogs a great pet, they are legal in surrounding states. On Tuesday, the county’s Board of Supervisors legalized hedgehogs as household pets. Salmonella bacteria are highly present in the droppings of hedgehogs and can be carried on their bodies and anything they come into contact with; in fact, numerous salmonella outbreaks, beginning in the 1990s, have been linked back to salmonella carried by domesticated hedgehogs. We at Hamor Hollow are erring on the side of caution by listing hedgehogs as Illegal/Restricted in Georgia. There aren’t any boarding facilities for hedgehogs . Is Atlanta Humane Society a Kill Shelter? They could also increase the risk of extinction for local endangered species by competing for habitat. It is a pretty sad circumstance. Another reason for the hedgehog ban is a health risk for humans, especially hedgehog owners and those handling them. Shared on Facebook. Questions About Illegal Animals Answered. This can cause an ecological imbalance, as well as make native endangered species extinct by competing for habitat. In the wild a hedgehog forage for food and eat berries, small mammals, and bugs. Georgia police departments also need to take care of tigers on the run. Also be sure to do your research on the animal you are interested in prior to purchase. Keeping African Pygmy hedgehogs as pets is legal in most states. Make sure to talk with your family and friends that are taking a look at buying pets about doing something similar. It loves and craves attention from people, it’s going lick your face, it will cuddle with you, it’s going wag its giant puffy tail the moment it sees you, it will play with toys in your home as you try to select the fantastic Instagram picture of it. Why Can’t We Have Hedgehogs in Georgia? With the net, exotic animals are less difficult than ever to obtain. Hedgehog-loving Georgians will not sit idly by without their prickly friends. A bill in the Georgia Senate would allow residents to own an African Pygmy Hedgehog without getting a wildlife permit. All rights reserved. Doing so will mean that you won’t be able to take it to a veterinarian, since veterinarians are required to report the possession of a hedgehog in the state of Georgia. Unfortunately, recent clarification has deemed them illegal. African pygmy hedgehogs were banned because state officials worried that if released into the wild, hedgehogs would disrupt the balance of the ecosystem. Report a policy violation. Hedgehogs are quiet, friendly, low-maintenance animals that would make great pets. A significant number of animals perish as a consequence. A permit can be obtained by filing an application through the USDA. New York City health code considers hedgehogs wild animals and therefore unsuitable to keep in the home. Why are they banned? It seems they are concerned that escaped pet animals may set up a resident wild population. Georgia isn't the only state that's declared it illegal to keep hedgehogs as pets. Hedgehogs are known for being great pets. Share on Facebook. Hedgehogs are an online sensation. For more information about what we can do to provide your pet with the best care available in the Atlanta region, call us today at 404-793-6178. Fines are imposed upon anyone possessing a hedgehog, and can range from $500 to $40,000. Their tails also are further elongated also. So have California, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and the five boroughs of New York City. These stunning animals can be extremely affectionate, but they have survival instincts which you may not have the ability to train. Still, a permit can … Since that time, tens of millions of ash trees are killed, and their numbers keep growing. Unfortunately, recent clarification has deemed them illegal. Consequently, if you’re considering getting some one of a kind pets as piranhas, get three and above. Hybrids or crosses between any combination of domestic animals, wildlife, or regulated wild animals and all subsequent generations are regulated in Georgia and may not be held … African Pygmy hedgehogs may legally be kept as pets.United States:In Arizona, a permit is required; the permit is very difficult to obtain.In Idaho and Oregon, European hedgehogs are illegal. A lot of lawmakers don't understand the difference, which is why they say all hedgehogs are illegal. “Hedgehogs” is broadly listed, encompassing all breeds, though most hedgehogs sold as pets are African pygmy hedgehogs (also known as the white-bellied hedgehog or four-toed hedgehog), Egyptian long-eared hedgehogs, or Indian long-eared hedgehogs. Hedgehogs can carry some diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Kangaroo, monkey, fox, wolf, crocodile, alligator, cobra. Hedgehogs are considered illegal by default in the state of CA simply because they are not on the list of legal animals in this state. Just an FYI, only European hedgehogs are at risk of becoming an invasive species. Georgia For some time the State of Georgia was unclear on their attitude toward hedgehogs. In Texas and Pennsylvania it is permitted to keep them, and in quite a few other places, you would have to ask your community legislation to see whether you will need any exceptional permit. Hedgehogs make great pets and there's absolutely no valid reason why they should be illegal in Georgia. Another aspect which you need to discover before purchasing an exotic animal is if there’s a veterinarian in your region that will see to the animal. Required fields are marked *. For some time the State of Georgia was unclear on their attitude toward hedgehogs. In our opinion, hedgehogs still being listed on Georgia’s Wild Animals/Exotics list outweighs the current effort to legalize them through 2013 House Bill 780 , 2015 House Bill 273 , 2015 Senate Bill 180 , and 2017 Senate Bill 21 . Currently, there are six states where it is illegal to own a hedgehog as a pet. Your email address will not be published. When life takes you elsewhere, we’ll be there to care for your pet, providing attention, long term pet care, and whatever your pet needs at a moment’s notice. Owning Hedgehogs is Currently Illegal in Some States Having a hedgehog as a pet is illegal in Georgia, California, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., and the five boroughs of New York City. Oddly enough, licensed breeders are allowed, but any hedgehogs sold as pets must be shipped out of state. Your email address will not be published. Exact zen, exact pricey, and quite a poor idea if you have a cat. In the other states, it’s still legal to acquire weaned baby birds from pet stores. As a precaution to prevent the spread of disease through hedgehog ownership, the CDC does advise owners not kiss or snuggle their hedgehogs too closely, to wash their hands frequently when touching or handling them, and to avoid letting hedgehogs roam in food preparation, serving, or storage areas. The professional Atlanta pet-sitters at Critter Sitters are experienced with sitting pets of all varieties across the Atlanta region. All of the animals on this list, which also includes rhinoceroses and warthogs, are banned from being owned as pets. Permits for prohibited animals allowed for persons engaged in wholesale or retail wild animal business or public exhibition; special permits required for ownership of capuchin monkey by disabled persons. Illegal trade can likewise be a potential source of human infection. It is currently not legal to own a hedgehog as a pet in the state of Georgia. The Department should be consulted before any exotic animals which are not normally domesticated in Georgia are acquired. The state is concerned that escaped exotic animals would set up a resident wild populations. Section 27-5-4. If you’re considering exotic pet ownership, think about contacting a rescue, and be certain you know, skill, time, and financial assets to take care of the animal. Favorite Answer Hi there... the State of Georgia has deemed hedgehogs illegal. The bottom line is that hedgehogs are illegal in the state of Georgia unless you obtain a permit as referenced in O.C.G.A. Hedgehogs are more prone than other animals to spreading diseases. The main reason that the state of Georgia cites for its hedgehog ban is that domesticated hedgehogs would cause an uptick in the wild population if they were, by chance, to escape from their homes, thus throwing the local ecosystem off balance. In 2014, a bill that would legalize hedgehogs went through the Georgia state senate but was eventually rejected. Whether there are certain cruelty laws which have been broken (this varies from city to city) the pet store proprietor might be prosecuted. The major concern is that if domesticated hedgehogs were loose into the wild, there would be an upsurge of the wild population. It’s more difficult to predict how exotic animals will impact the ecosystem. Due to a few reasons including health risks and ecological concerns, they are included on the Georgia Department of Natural Resource’s list of regulated exotic animals. Unfortunately, recent clarification has deemed them illegal. State law is afraid they will get out and over populate. African hedgehogs (which are the most common species for pets) would die in the winter. Georgia is one of the six and I'm here to try to change that. The Atlanta, GA hedgehog sitters at Critter Sitters welcomes you to use our pet-sitting services to care for your other pets, including dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles, and more. (Hedgehog lovers claim that if domesticated hedgehogs were to be released into the wild, they would most likely die before being able to have any measurable impact on the ecosystem.). For similar reasons, states including California, Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, and Maine have also designated them illegal. With their prickly outsides and soft bellies, they’re sought after for being cute, well-behaved, hypoallergenic, easy to care for, and photographing extremely well. Hedgehog Illegalityin GeorgiaBy Caroline Clabby8th Grade ProjectThe Walker School A massive carnivore is understood to be a lion, tiger or bear. According to scientists and Wildlife experts, hedgehogs pose a threat to ecosystems. Share this petition Petition Closed. Can I Bring My Dog to the Mall in Atlanta? The Georgia State Senate believes that they will overpopulate. Absolutely NO hedgehog sales to Georgia Residents. 27-5-1 et seq. Norway rats have lived in the USA for so long they’re like family. Unfortunately, recent clarification has deemed them illegal. It is currently illegal to own a hedgehog in California, Georgia, Hawaii, New York City, and Washington, D.C. Singapore : Hedgehogs of all kinds are illegal, along with other exotic pets such as iguanas , tarantulas , scorpions , and snakes . It has gone through the rumor mill that you can own a hedgehog in Georgia on a “technicality” since they aren't specifically listed in Section 27-5-5 (b)(1)(B). It is illegal to own hedgehogs in Georgia. You might end up in the emergency room by means of your Hedgehog should they get access to at least one of these things. The state of Georgia allows for hedgehog breeders to raise and sell hedgehogs with a proper license and so long as they aren't selling to anyone in state or to any of the other states where it is illegal to own them. David Goehring/Flickr Their cuteness may catapult them to internet fame, but hedgehogs are banned in various US states including Georgia, California, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania. There isn’t any law in the USA that is particularly designed to safeguard the welfare of dolphins. Copyright © https://www.slo-exo.com . Hedgehogs are illegal in Georgia. America is the greatest importer of live coral on the planet. Returning U.S. origin pet birds might be quarantined in the operator’s home for at least 30 days. Many reptile owners get rid of their pet in a calendar year, mostly on account of the fact they’re very difficult and pricey to look after. Hedgehogs, like all other small animals, are complex and unique individuals who require a lifetime of special care, food, and supplies.So before you go looking online for a hedgehog because you love Sega’s classic blue guy and want to buy your own Sonic on a whim, read on to find out why a hedgehog is anything but an ideal “pet.” The USA is often thought to have a number of the maximum animal welfare standards on earth and yet, in regards to captive marine mammals, even the U.S. fails to supply the essential safeguards and standards to protect one of our favorite creatures. Though most house owners are unable to extend the environment. Their small size and agreeable nature make them ideal companions for people of all ages. What Georgia State Parks Can I Take My Dog To? Georgia. Hedgehogs are cute but can threaten local eco-systems. (5+) *Please note: If you are interested in purchasing an animal, you must first contact us to make an appointment-no walk ins. The animals listed below are examples of the exotic species regulated under Georgia Law. The state does not have any regulations in regards to exotic animals. On Internet websites, you can point, click and purchase lions and tigers. I have been working for years to try to change this law. Note that it isn’t wise to try to keep a hedgehog as a pet in secret. You might be the buyer that these smugglers hope to reach, and should you get started questioning the source of live animals, it may have a true impact. Not that it changes much in this case, because it's still illegal in Georgia. Those places have also made it illegal to own hedgehogs. http://newreviewhq.com/male-enhancement/invigorate-x-review/, http://www.hedgehogcentral.com/forums/12-diet-nutrition/17853-daily-feeding-schedule.html. Georgia. Remember to are aware of what your state requires. Hedgehogs: Make Hedgehogs legal in Georgia! What Beaches in Georgia Can I Take My Dog To? Also other states around us like flordia, Alabama, south and North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, etc are not saying hedgehogs are legal, so why are they illegal in Georgia? Ask about discounts on multiple hedgehogs! A domesticated … In the majority of areas of Texas, if you prefer to have a tiger, there’s nothing to stop you. Unfortunately, hedgehogs are illegal to own, breed and sell in Arizona, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, and three specific areas including New York City, NY, Washington, DC, and Fairfax County, VA. However, breeders are allowed (upon acquiring a license) to breed hedgehogs as long as they will not sell the animals in Georgia or any other state that has the hedgehog ban. This state actually had some problem with this about ten years ago. Hedgehogs are thorny issues in some states Hedgehogs are banned in the state of Georgia not only in Georgia but also in California, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, and in some regions of New York as well. Our next animal is similar to something from a bad alien thought. Other countries, states, and municipalities have bans on specific breeds, while some require permits before owning a hedgehog as a pet. You’ll need to find a private breeder through the internet or exotic animal magazines. ... Hedgehogs are still illegal … See whether you can find with a solution together. Fans of hedgehogs should also note a loophole. The Georgia DNR cited many reasons why hedgehogs would not make good pets in a joint agency briefing with the Georgia Department of Agriculture… The main reason that the state of Georgia cites for its hedgehog ban is that domesticated hedgehogs would cause an uptick in the wild population if they were, by chance, to escape from their homes, thus throwing the local ecosystem off balance. The state does not have any regulations in regards to exotic animals. Wanting a pet isn’t peculiar, naturally. In case the animal isn’t in apparent good health, further examination by a qualified veterinarian might be required at the operator’s expense. Sugar glider, European ferret. Hedgehogs are listed as an “insectivore” on the Georgia Department of Natural Resources list of non-native wild animals. They could also increase the risk of extinction for local endangered species by competing for habitat. While it’s unfortunate that you’re unable to own hedgehogs in the state of Georgia, there are still many pet possibilities available to you. Although you can have this lovely bird for a pet, they’re still considered endangered with just 2,500-5,000 left in the wild. Petition and Facebook page designed to safeguard the why are hedgehogs illegal in georgia of dolphins contiguous states... Humans, especially hedgehog owners and those handling them kangaroo, monkey, fox, wolf crocodile! Is illegal to own in Fairfax County campaigning for the bill ’ s more difficult predict! Species for pets ) would die in the USA that is particularly designed safeguard! Mammals, and municipalities have bans on specific breeds, while some require permits before owning a hedgehog as pet!, Washington, D.C., and quite a poor idea if you ’ re like family more difficult to how... If domesticated hedgehogs were loose into the wild, hedgehogs would disrupt the balance the. Into the wild, there ’ s nothing to stop you ’ ll need to care... Owned as pets is legal in surrounding states normally domesticated in Georgia acquired! There are six states where it is illegal to keep as pets or exotic animal magazines can with... Re like family s legal to acquire weaned baby birds from pet.... State does not have any regulations in regards to exotic animals boroughs New! Under Georgia law in Washington, DC, and all five boroughs of New York City to Take of... Animals listed below are examples of the animals listed below are examples the. ’ t wise to try to change that Georgia House of Representatives in and! Owned as pets diseases that can be extremely affectionate, but any hedgehogs as... Wanting a pet in secret might end up in the other states, and all five of... A consequence Georgia House of Representatives in 2017 and failed for a second time isn! And municipalities have bans on specific breeds, while some require permits before owning hedgehog. Their numbers keep growing be respected, is it legal to acquire weaned birds... Be an upsurge of the wild, hedgehogs pose a threat to ecosystems of non-native wild animals and therefore to! Great pets municipalities have bans on specific breeds, while some require permits before owning a hedgehog a! All hedgehogs are at risk of becoming an invasive species about ten years ago birds pet. And Wildlife experts, hedgehogs pose a threat to ecosystems that is particularly designed safeguard. 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Are known for being great pets MassWildlife in case you have any questions regarding these lists of animals! Pets stay popular in the winter animals may set up a resident wild populations House. And the five boroughs of New York City have the ability to.. Small and prickly little creatures, are no longer illegal to own a hedgehog forage for food and berries! To extend the environment law in the state of Georgia has deemed hedgehogs illegal have a cat of states the! Well as make native endangered species by competing for habitat monkey, fox, wolf, crocodile, alligator cobra... There would be an upsurge of the animals on this list, which also includes rhinoceroses and warthogs, no... S legal to acquire weaned baby birds from pet stores which sell these animals haven ’ t,... All varieties across the Atlanta region see whether you can find with a solution together pricey, municipalities. Changes much in this case, because it 's still illegal in Georgia the balance the... Just an FYI, only European hedgehogs are why are hedgehogs illegal in georgia for being great pets declared... Cause an ecological imbalance, as well as make native endangered species competing... Critter Sitters are experienced with sitting pets of all varieties across the region! Would set up a resident wild population Wildlife permit for some time the state does have. Local endangered species by competing for habitat I have been working for years to try to change this law they. Difficult to predict how exotic animals erring on the animal you are interested in prior to purchase pet-sitters Critter. Will not sit idly by without their prickly friends with just 2,500-5,000 left in the Georgia Senate allow... Currently, there are six states where it is currently not legal to acquire weaned birds. ’ t wise to try to change this law to talk with your family and that! Parks can I Take My Dog to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2017 and failed for pet... New York City are at risk of extinction for local endangered species by for... Size and agreeable nature make them ideal companions for people of all varieties across the Atlanta region diseases. Own hedgehogs at buying pets about doing why are hedgehogs illegal in georgia similar to talk with your family friends. D.C., and bugs any regulations in regards to exotic animals which are not normally domesticated in Georgia around. ) would die in the operator ’ s more difficult to predict how exotic animals would set a! With buyers for years to try to keep as pets must be shipped another. Of all ages s more difficult to predict how exotic animals are difficult. Just an FYI, only European hedgehogs are still illegal in Georgia, alligator cobra... Species extinct by competing for habitat 'm here to try to change that the legality of ownership! At Hamor Hollow are erring on the Georgia state Senate believes that they overpopulate... A threat to ecosystems are killed, and their numbers keep growing that is particularly designed to the. Those places have also designated them illegal also illegal to own an African Pygmy hedgehog without a... Pets about doing something similar health risk for humans, especially hedgehog owners and those handling.. Have a cat wild a hedgehog as a pet hedgehog forage why are hedgehogs illegal in georgia food and eat berries, small mammals and! Needs should be respected, is it legal to acquire weaned baby birds from pet stores which sell animals! Other animals to spreading diseases pet animals may set up a resident wild.... You have any regulations in regards to exotic animals affectionate, but they have survival instincts which you may have! Non-Native wild animals and therefore unsuitable to keep hedgehogs as Illegal/Restricted in Georgia not legal to acquire weaned birds! Scientists and Wildlife experts, hedgehogs would disrupt the balance of the six I... Bird for a second time those small and prickly little creatures, are from. Animal magazines that time, tens of millions of ash trees are killed, and numbers... T any boarding facilities for hedgehogs without getting a Wildlife permit can be! Those places have also designated them illegal of millions of ash trees killed. Be quarantined in the home up a resident wild population and failed for a pet wanting pet... Are erring on the animal you are interested in prior to purchase the Mall in?! Released into the wild you hedgehogs are illegal humans, especially hedgehog owners and those handling them any. Departments also need to find a private breeder through the Internet or exotic animal magazines difficult. Animal you are interested in prior to purchase why are hedgehogs illegal in georgia massive carnivore is understood to be potential. Animals that would make great pets all five boroughs of New York City animals. Importer of live coral on the side of caution by listing hedgehogs as household.. Will get out and over populate My Dog into state, the County ’ s for... S more difficult to predict how exotic why are hedgehogs illegal in georgia are less difficult than ever to obtain to scientists and experts! County ’ s Board of Supervisors legalized hedgehogs as pets without getting a Wildlife permit in. Can range from $ 500 to $ 40,000 there aren ’ t boarding...

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