NY Environmental Conservation Law §11-0512 and Ag & Markets §370 ban wild animals as pets statewide in Orange County NY: big cats, bears, wolves, non-human primates, and venomous reptiles. Ferrets are legal (unlike in NYC). Towns may add limits.
New York law broadly prohibits the private possession of wild animals. Environmental Conservation Law §11-0512 makes it illegal to keep any wild animal that is dangerous to humans, specifically banning lions, tigers, leopards, bears, wolves, coyotes, non-human primates, and all venomous reptiles. Ag & Markets §370 adds species-level restrictions. Permits are only granted for AZA-accredited facilities, licensed exhibitors, and educational institutions. Ferrets remain legal in Orange County (Newburgh, Middletown, Goshen) because the NYC ferret ban does not apply outside the five boroughs. Native wildlife (raccoons, squirrels, skunks) cannot be kept without a DEC wildlife rehabilitator license. Enforcement is by the NYS DEC Region 3 office and local police; animals are typically seized and placed with licensed sanctuaries.
ECL §11-0512 violation: up to $500 first offense, $1,000 subsequent plus seizure. Possession of a primate or big cat: Class A misdemeanor, up to $1,000 and 1 year jail.
Orange County, NY
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Orange County, NY
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See how Middletown's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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