NY Environmental Conservation Law §11-0512 bans keeping wild animals as pets statewide. This applies throughout Schenectady County — no wolves, big cats, venomous reptiles, or primates. Only DEC-licensed facilities or grandfathered owners may keep covered species.
ECL §11-0512 prohibits possession of wild animals for use as a pet. Banned classes include non-human primates, bears, wolves, coyotes, foxes, skunks, raccoons, venomous reptiles, lions, tigers, and similar species. Persons who owned such animals before the law's effective date may keep them for life only with a DEC permit. Schenectady County follows state law; no county variance exists. NY Ag & Markets also restricts sale of certain reptiles and amphibians.
ECL §71-0925: up to $500 fine plus seizure of animal; each day is a separate offense.
Schenectady, NY
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See how Schenectady's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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