California has one of the most restrictive exotic-pet regimes in the country: Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 and 14 CCR §671 bar private possession of nearly all non-domesticated mammals (primates, bats, most carnivores other than dogs/cats), most non-domesticated birds, and many reptiles without a Restricted Species Permit from CDFW. Chino does not override this state floor; the Chino municipal code (Title 6 Animals) layers local dangerous-animal and licensing rules on top of state law.
Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 makes it unlawful to import, transport, possess, or release into California any of the species listed in 14 CCR §671 — including primates, sloths, marsupials, bats, most rodents other than domesticated hamsters/rats/mice/guinea pigs, carnivores other than domestic dogs and cats, elephants, and most hoofed animals; restricted birds (cuckoos, crows, jays, magpies, certain thrushes and starlings); and other species such as crocodilians, piranhas, and giant toads — except under a revocable, nontransferable Restricted Species Permit. Permits are issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) only for narrow purposes (research, public exhibition, specified commercial uses); pet ownership is generally NOT a permitted purpose. Chino layers Title 6 dangerous-animal provisions and Animal Resource Center (ARC) enforcement on top. Reptiles and small parrots not on the restricted list (e.g., common ball pythons, cockatiels) are generally lawful as pets under state law, subject to Title 6 nuisance rules.
Possessing a CCR §671 restricted species without a CDFW permit is a misdemeanor under Cal. Fish & Game Code §2125, with fines up to $10,000 and seizure of the animal. CDFW wardens can act anywhere in Chino. Locally, ARC and Chino Code Enforcement may declare an animal dangerous and abate it under Title 6.
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