NY Environmental Conservation Law §11-0512 bans keeping wild animals as pets statewide. Prohibited species include wolves, coyotes, foxes, skunks, primates, and venomous reptiles. DEC enforces countywide.
NY ECL §11-0512 prohibits possession, sale, and transport of wild animals as pets throughout New York State, including all of Westchester County. Banned species include big cats, bears, wolves, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, primates, venomous snakes, and crocodilians. Persons who owned listed wild animals before the law took effect may retain them for the animal's lifetime with a DEC permit. No new permits are issued. NYS DEC Region 3 covers Westchester.
Criminal violation under ECL; fines up to $1,000 and animal seizure by DEC.
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See how Westchester County's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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