§ 147.241 . Scope.
§ 147.242 . Safety.
§ 147.243 . Sanitation.
§ 147.244 . Housing.
§ 147.245 . Acquisition and disposal.
§ 147.246 . Health and welfare.
(a) General. This subchapter relates to the housing and care of exotic wildlife, as defined in section 2961 of the act (relating to definitions), and public protection from wildlife which is being held or transported by exotic wildlife dealers.
(b) Confinement. It is unlawful to maintain exotic wildlife in confinement in an unsanitary or unsafe condition, or in a manner which results in maltreatment, mistreatment or neglect. No species of exotic wildlife may be confined in a pen, cage or enclosure which does not meet minimum specifications in this subchapter. An animal may not be chained or tethered, or otherwise impeded from moving freely within an enclosure unless otherwise indicated on the permit.
(c) Housing. Exotic wildlife maintained under section 2962 of the act (relating to exotic wildlife dealer permits) shall be housed in a safe and sanitary manner. Failure to provide sanitary surroundings or failure to adequately protect the public from exotic wildlife is a violation of this subchapter.
(d) Bill of sale. It is unlawful for a person to deal in exotic wildlife, except as provided in this subchapter, without a bill of sale or other documentary evidence showing the name and address of the supplier.
(e) Permit required. It is unlawful for a dealer to sell exotic wildlife to a person who does not have a permit required in Subchapter N (relating to exotic wildlife possession).
(f) Permit. A separate exotic wildlife dealer permit shall be required for each business location or facility.
(g) Experience required. A new applicant for an exotic wildlife dealer 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.
Credits
Adopted July 1, 1987; Amended Apr. 5, 2003.
§ 147.242. Safety.
(a) Cage construction shall be sufficiently strong to contain exotic wildlife and protect the animals from injury from other specimens held. A cage considered unsafe by Commission personnel shall be reconstructed as directed. Reconstruction shall be completed and approved within 10 days after official notification, or before new animals are placed in the cage.
(b) It is unlawful to exhibit exotic wildlife to the public, except a private showing for prospective customers or personal friends.
(c) Exotic wildlife may not be removed from cages or directly exposed to the public.
Credits
Adopted July 1, 1987.
§ 147.243. Sanitation.
(a) Sanitation. Exotic wildlife maintained under this section shall be kept in a sanitary manner.
(b) Water. Clean, fresh water shall be provided daily. Water containers shall be cleaned and disinfected daily.
(c) Food. Food shall be kept in a manner to prevent spoilage or contamination.
(d) Waste. Fecal and food waste shall be removed from cages and dens daily, and disposed of or stored in a manner to prevent noxious odors or attraction of insects or vermin. Hard floors shall be scrubbed and disinfected, at least weekly. Large pens with dirt floors shall be raked every 3 days, and the waste removed.
(e) Drainage and pools. Cages and pens shall be designed to provide adequate drainage of the enclosure. Standing water may not be allowed except in the case of species requiring water for wading, submersing or swimming. Pools provided for exotic wildlife shall be cleaned as often as needed to ensure good water quality.
(f) General requirements. Procedures for sanitation, water disposal and proper disposition of feces and other waste material shall be in compliance with the requirements of local, State or Federal authorities.
Credits
Adopted July 1, 1987.
§ 147.244. Housing.
(a) Specifications. Minimum pen specifications and caging requirements for captive exotic wildlife are as follows:
(1) A cage or enclosure shall be covered at the top to prevent escape.
(2) A cage or enclosure shall be provided with bedding required for the animal's comfort and to protect them from inclement weather. A suitable shield for protection against the hot rays of the sun shall be provided on outside enclosures. If the natural climate of wildlife held differs from the climate of the area where the dealer's facility is located, provisions shall be made to adjust holding conditions to natural habitat.
(3) A cage shall have a secure locking device and shall be key locked or padlocked.
(b) Permanent housing. The following are required when exotic wildlife is held more than 10 days:
(1) Bears.
(i) Number or size. Single animal.
(ii) Cage size. 25′L by 12′W by 12′H. For a pair, the cage shall be 30′L by 15′W by 12′H.
(iii) Accessories. A pool 6′W by 10′L by 4′ deep is mandatory for polar bears. Either the large pool or a freshwater drinking pool 2′W by 2′L by 18″ deep with facilities for spraying or wetting the animals during hot weather periods is required for other bears.
(2) Lions and tigers.
(i) Number or size. Single animal.
(ii) Cage size. 15′L by 10′W by 8′H. For a pair, the cage shall be 20′L by 10′W by 8′H.
(iii) Accessories. At least two claw logs, one shelf 30″W, 10′L at one end and 40″H off the floor level.
(3) Leopards, jaguars and cougars.
(i) Number or size. Single animal.
(ii) Cage size. 10′L by 8′W by 8′H. For a pair, the cage shall be 15′L by 8′W by 8′H.
(iii) Accessories. At least two claw logs and one shelf 24″W, 8′L and 40″H off the floor level.
(4) Cheetahs.
(i) Number or size. Up to three animals.
(ii) Cage size. 40′L by 20′W by 8′H.
(iii) Accessories. A shelf 30″W by 6′L and 36″ off the floor level is required for a single animal. For one pair, lengthen the shelf to 10 feet.
(5) Lesser cats. Bobcats, lynx, serval, caracal, ocelots and the like.
(i) Number or size. Single animal.
(ii) Cage size. 8′L by 4′W by 6′H. For each additional animal, increase cage length 2 feet.
(iii) Accessories. At least two claw logs and a shelf 14″W by 4′L and 36″ off the floor level are required. A den or retreat area is also required.
(6) Geoffroy's cats, leopard cats, margay and other wild cats up to 10 pounds adult weight.
(i) Number or size. Single animal.
(ii) Cage size. 4′L by 4′W by 6′H. For each additional animal, increase cage length by 1 foot.
(iii) Accessories. At least two claw logs and one shelf 6″W by 3′L and 36″ off the floor level are required. A den or retreat area is also required.
(7) Foxes, jackals and the like.
(i) Number or size. One pair.
(ii) Cage size. 8′L by 4′W by 6′H.
(iii) Accessories. One shelf 18″W by 4′L and 36″ off the floor level is required in addition to a den or retreat area.
(8) Coyotes, cape hunting dogs, dingos and the like.
(i) Number or size. Single animal.
(ii) Cage size. 10′L by 8′W by 6′H. For each additional animal, increase cage length by 10 feet.
(iii) Accessories. A secluded den area that is 4′W by 4′L for a single animal is required. Add 3 feet in length for each additional animal.
(9) Wolves, hyenas.
(i) Number or size. Single animal.
(ii) Cage size. 15′L by 8′W by 6′H. For a pair, double the cage length. For each additional animal after two, add 10 feet to the cage length.
(iii) Accessories. A secluded den area 4′W by 4′L is required for a single animal. Add 3 feet in length for each additional animal.
(c) Temporary housing. Required when exotic wildlife is held 10 days or less.
(1) Number or size. Single animal.
(2) Cage size. Cage length shall be at least double the animal's body length, excluding tail. Cage width shall equal or exceed body length. Cage height shall extend at least 2 feet above the standing animal's head to ensure proper ventilation. For two or more animals kept together, add 1/3 more cage length for each additional animal.
(3) Accessories. The cage shall be constructed of steel or case-hardened aluminum. The cage shall have a secure locking device and shall be key locked or padlocked. The cage shall be well ventilated.
(d) Traveling cage. A traveling cage shall be used only in the actual transportation of exotic wildlife.
(1) Number or size. Single animal.
(2) Cage size. The size of traveling cages for wildlife in transit shall be as follows: the animal shall be able to turn around and stand up on all fours with head clearance.
(3) Accessories. The cage shall be constructed of steel or case-hardened aluminum with one solid side or portable divider panel so that no animal can harm another. A steel floor with wood surface suitable for drainage of urine is necessary. A cage shall have a secure locking device and shall be key locked or padlocked. The cage shall be well ventilated. A cage exposed directly to the public shall be constructed of steel or alloy bars no more than 1 1/2 inches apart.
(4) Ventilation. Exotic wildlife shall travel in air conditioned or well ventilated vehicles that may be adjusted to weather conditions. Animals shall be provided fresh water while in transit twice in 24 hours and be fed at least once every 24 hours.
Credits
Adopted July 1, 1987; Amended May 27, 1995.
§ 147.245. Acquisition and disposal.
(a) Exotic wildlife shall have been lawfully taken, exported, imported, transported, retained and possessed.
(b) Records shall be maintained of acquisitions and disposals of exotic wildlife as well as exotic wildlife born on the premises. Records shall be in ink, written in English and include the full name and address of the person with whom a transaction is conducted. Records shall be available for inspection by Commission personnel at reasonable hours. Entries shall be made on the day of transaction.
Credits
Adopted July 1, 1987.
§ 147.246. Health and welfare.
Exotic wildlife shall be kept free from parasites, sickness or disease. If sick or diseased, exotic wildlife shall immediately be given professional medical attention, or destroyed in a humane manner.
Credits
Adopted July 1, 1987.