Exotic and restricted species are primarily controlled by California state law, not local Rialto ordinance. Cal. Fish & Game Code § 2118 and 14 CCR § 671 prohibit private possession of most non-domesticated species (big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders) without a CDFW restricted-species permit. Rialto Title 6 reinforces this by prohibiting wild / dangerous animals as a public nuisance.
California Fish & Game Code § 2118 makes it unlawful to import, transport or possess any animal listed as restricted in 14 CCR § 671 (the 'restricted species' list) without a permit from the California Department of Fish & Wildlife. The list includes all members of Felidae other than domestic cat, all primates, ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, wolves and wolf hybrids (varies), most venomous snakes, alligators/crocodiles, and many parrots/raptors. Penalties under § 2125 reach $1,000-$10,000 plus seizure. Rialto Municipal Code Title 6 adds local nuisance/danger authority: keeping an animal that endangers people or other animals is abatable, and Rialto Animal Services (contracted via San Bernardino County) can impound restricted species. Service dogs and properly permitted exhibitors/sanctuaries are exempt.
Possession of a restricted species without a CDFW permit is a misdemeanor under Cal. F&G Code § 2125, $1,000-$10,000 fine, plus animal seizure. Rialto can separately abate the animal as a public nuisance under Title 6.
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