Showing ordinances that apply to South Hempstead, NY
South Hempstead is an unincorporated community (population 3,406) in Nassau County, New York. Because South Hempstead is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Nassau County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The exotic pets rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Nassau County Code Chapter 71 and NY ECL 11-0512 ban possession of wild animals including big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, bears, and wolves. Ferrets are legal in Nassau (unlike NYC). Chickens depend on local zoning.
NY Environmental Conservation Law 11-0512 prohibits possession of dangerous wild animals. Nassau County layers its own prohibited-species list enforced by NCPD Animal Control and the Nassau SPCA. Unlike the five boroughs, Nassau permits ferrets. Exotic-mammal exceptions exist for USDA-licensed exhibitors and accredited zoos. Reptile possession is otherwise broad; venomous snakes and crocodilians require DEC licensing.
State violation under ECL 11-0512: up to 250 dollars and animal seizure. County violations add local fines 250 to 1,000 dollars.
See how South Hempstead's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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