Title 76
WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES
Part V. Wild Quadrupeds and Wild Birds
Chapter 1. Wild Quadrupeds
115. Possession of Potentially Dangerous Wild Quadrupeds and Non-Human Primates
A. This Commission finds that possession of certain potentially dangerous quadrupeds and non-human primates poses significant hazards to public safety and health, is detrimental to the welfare of the animals, and may have negative impacts on conservation and recovery of some threatened and endangered species.
C. 1. Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful to import into, possess, purchase or sell within the State of Louisiana, by any means whatsoever including but not limited to transactions conducted via the internet, any of the following species or its subspecies of live wild quadrupeds or non-human primates, domesticated or otherwise (hereinafter listed animals):
a. Cougar or mountain lion (Felis concolor)
b. Black bear (Ursus americanus)
c. Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos)
d. Polar bear (Ursus maritimus)
e. Red wolf (Canis rufus)
f. Gray wolf (Canis lupus)
g. Wolf dog hybrid (Canis lupus or Canis rufus x Canis familiarus)
h. All non-human primates
2. Valid game breeder license holders for these species listed Subparagraph a-f above legally possessed prior to October 1, 1988, will be “grandfathered” and renewed annually until existing captive animals expire, or are legally transferred out of state, or are transferred to a suitable facility. No additional listed animals may be acquired.
3. The prohibition against wolf-dog hybrids expired January 1, 1997. Persons are cautioned that local ordinances or other state regulations may prohibit possession of these animals. Any animal which appears indistinguishable from a wolf, or is in any way represented to be a wolf shall be considered to be a wolf in the absence of bona fide documentation to the contrary.
4. The following organizations and entities shall be exempt from this regulation, including permitting:
a. Zoos accredited or certified by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA);
b. Research facilities as defined in the Animal Welfare Act as found in the United States Code Title 7, Chapter 54, 2132(e), including but not limited to
the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Primate Center, the Tulane National Primate Research Center, and Chimp Haven, Inc., located in Shreveport, LA; and
c. Any person transporting any listed animal through the State if the transit time is not more than 24 hours and the animal is at all times maintained within a confinement sufficient to prevent escape and contact with the public.
5. The following organizations and entities may be exempted from this regulation after applying for and receiving a permit from the Department to possess any listed animal under the following conditions:
a. Other zoos and educational institutions not covered under Subparagraph 4.c. above. The Secretary shall determine whether to issue a permit and any conditions for the permit on a case by case basis.
b. Animal Sanctuaries accredited or certified by AZA. Permitted Sanctuaries are prohibited from breeding or selling any listed animal. The animals must be housed in such a manner as to prevent public contact. Permitted sanctuaries are prohibited from transporting these animals to any public building or place where they may come into contact with the public including, but not limited to schools, hospitals or malls is prohibited.
8/18/08
Disclaimer: Please check all local, city, county, township, homeowners’ ordinances in your area first before acquiring any hybrid or exotic animals.