Sec. 26-55-6. Importation, Possession or Liberation of Wild Birds, Mammals, Reptiles,
Country of Origin:
United States - Connecticut
Agency of Origin:
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
National Citation:
CT ADC 26-55-6
Agency Citation:
Printable Version
Last checked by Web Center Staff:
03/2012
Summary:
This new Connecticut regulation (effective March 1, 2012) places restrictions on who may import or possess certain categories of wild animals in the state. The regulation puts wild animals into four categories: Category One Wild Animal Two, Three, and Four Wild Animals. With regard to Great Apes, a member within the family Hominidae (including, but not limited to, gorilla, chimpanzee and orangutan) is a Category One Animal. No person, except a municipal park, zoo, public nonprofit aquarium, nature center,museum, exhibitor licensed or registered with the United States Department of Agriculture, laboratory registered with the United States Department of Agriculture, or research facility registered with the United States Department of Agriculture, shall import or possess any Category One Wild Animal.
Material in Full:
Editor's Summary:
Sec. 26-55-6. Importation, Possession or Liberation of Wild Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates (.pdf file)
This new Connecticut regulation (effective March 1, 2012) places restrictions on who may import or possess certain categories of wild animals in the state. The regulation puts wild animals into four categories: Category One Wild Animal (wolves, big cats, bears and large non-human primates); Category Two Wild Animal (injurious wildlife, elephants, smaller primates, hyenas, kangaroos, raccoons, large reptiles); Category Three Wild Animal (deer, elk, beaver, wild birds); and Category Four Wild Animal (any wild animal listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern under state law). With regard to Great Apes, a member within the family Hominidae (including, but not limited to, gorilla, chimpanzee and orangutan) is a Category One Animal.
No person, except a municipal park, zoo, public nonprofit aquarium, nature center,museum, exhibitor licensed or registered with the United States Department of Agriculture, laboratory registered with the United States Department of Agriculture, or research facility registered with the United States Department of Agriculture, shall import or possess any Category One Wild Animal. Further, a person authorized to import or possess a Category One Wild Animal shall not allow such animal to be accessible for handling by the general public.
Only a veterinarian for purposes of treatment and care, a municipal park, zoo, marine mammal park, aquarium, nature center, museum, exhibitor, laboratory or research facility, is allowed to import or possess any Category Two Wild Animal. Additionally, only a municipal park, zoo, marine mammal park, aquarium, nature center, museum, exhibitor, laboratory, research facility or school, or any person otherwise authorized by state law is allowed to import or export any Category Three Wild Animal.
No person shall liberate any wild animal except as outlined by state law.
There is an exception that allows a person to continue to possess a primate that weighs less than 35 pounds at maturity provided that primate was legally possessed in Connecticut on or before October 1, 2003. That individual must comply with registration, which includes demonstrating proof of legal possession prior to 2003, make a plan for recapture of the animal should it escape, maintain required records, and keep the animal in way so as to prevent loss, breeding with other animals, or injuring other persons or animals. All required information must be submitted on or before December 31, 2012 on forms provided by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The registrant must allow inspection by the Department upon adequate notice and inform the Department if the primate dies. The primate may also be transferred provided all listed requirements are met.
Museums, nature center, and exhibitors holding "Class C" licenses under the Animal Welfare Act must meet certain criteria to be exempt from the ban on possession and importation of Category One or Category Two Wild Animals. This includes meeting certain visitor attendance requirements, demonstrating proof of applicable state and federal licenses, carrying required liability insurance, maintaining recapture and care plans, and, in the case of exhibitors, proof of proper education and training.
Sec. 26-55-6. Importation, Possession or Liberation of Wild Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates (.pdf file)
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