Tulare, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

California has one of the strictest exotic pet regimes in the United States. 14 CCR § 671 ('Importation, Transportation and Possession of Live Restricted Animals') prohibits possession of a long list of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians except under CDFW permit. Restricted species are designated either 'W' (welfare animals — listed to prevent wild population depletion) or 'D' (detrimental animals — pose threats to native wildlife, agriculture, or public health). Permits are issued only for scientific research, public exhibition at licensed facilities, educational programs, and certain commercial activities — NOT for private pets. Animals banned in California include ferrets, hedgehogs, primates of all species, all big cats including bobcats, wolves and wolf-dog hybrids, alligators and crocodiles, most native reptiles, and many parrots. Tulare Municipal Code § 6.12.050 (Definitions) defines an 'exotic animal' as any wild animal the California Fish and Game Commission has declared to be a prohibited wild animal — incorporating 14 CCR § 671 by reference. § 6.12.180 (Prohibited Conduct) and § 6.12.210 (Animal Nuisances Prohibited) provide local enforcement hooks. Penalties for unlawful possession of a restricted species under state law include misdemeanor charges, fines, and animal confiscation under Fish & Game Code § 2125.