Exotic pet keeping in Menifee is governed primarily by California state law. CCR Title 14 §671 (administered by California Department of Fish and Wildlife) lists restricted species — including most non-native wild mammals, reptiles, and birds — that may not be imported, transported, or possessed without a CDFW permit. Common exotics such as ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, monkeys, and most non-native venomous snakes are prohibited as pets statewide. Menifee defers to state law and Riverside County Department of Animal Services for enforcement; there is no separate local exotic-pet permit beyond zoning use limits.
California Code of Regulations Title 14 §671 establishes the state's restricted species list, prohibiting private possession of many exotic animals on the grounds of preventing ecological harm, public safety risk, and animal welfare. Prohibited species include: ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, all primates, most large cats, wolves and wolf hybrids beyond first generation, alligators, most monitor lizards, venomous reptiles not native to California, and many parrot species. Lawful permits under Title 14 §671 are limited to research, exhibition, and qualifying commercial purposes — not pet ownership. California Fish & Game Code §2118 et seq. provides statutory authority. Federally, the Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. §3371 et seq.) and Endangered Species Act add overlay restrictions. Menifee Municipal Code does not duplicate this regulatory framework; Title 10 references animal control matters and Title 9 zoning controls land-use compatibility. Riverside County Department of Animal Services responds to exotic-animal complaints in coordination with CDFW law enforcement. Dangerous and vicious dog procedures are handled under Cal. Food & Agric. Code §31601 et seq.
Possessing a Title 14 §671 restricted species without a permit is a misdemeanor under Cal. Fish & Game Code §2125, punishable by fine and/or imprisonment, plus seizure of the animal. CDFW law enforcement leads investigations; Riverside County Animal Services may assist with seizure. Additional charges may apply under federal law.
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