Ventura has no local exotic-pet ordinance; the City defers to California's restricted-species framework, one of the strictest in the country. Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 designates certain wild animals (most non-domesticated mammals, reptiles, and birds) as 'restricted species' that may not be possessed without a CDFW permit. CCR Title 14 §671 lists prohibited and restricted species - bans on private possession cover most monkeys, ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, large cats, wolves and wolf hybrids, certain reptiles (alligators, caimans, large constrictors), and most native wildlife. Endangered or fully protected species (§§5050, 5515 Fish & Game Code) cannot be privately owned at all. Inside Ventura, possession of an unpermitted restricted species also constitutes a zoning violation (animal keeping not authorized for the use) and a public nuisance under SBMC Div. 7. Dangerous-animal complaints are investigated by Ventura County Animal Services under the city's animal services contract.
State framework controls: CCR Title 14 §671 contains the master list of restricted species (categories A-N covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, crustaceans, mollusks). 'A' designations are wholly prohibited (e.g., ferrets, gerbils in certain contexts, most non-human primates, large cats, bears, wolves, alligators). 'R' designations require a CDFW permit (research, education, public exhibition). Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 authorizes the permitting scheme; §2125 sets misdemeanor penalties for unpermitted possession. Endangered Species Act parallels at §§2050-2098 add felony exposure for take/possession of state-listed species; Penal Code §597 covers cruelty. Domestic animals (dogs, cats, common cage birds, common aquarium fish, common reptiles like leopard geckos and corn snakes, domestic rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice/rats sold as pets, chinchillas) are NOT restricted. Ferrets remain prohibited statewide despite ongoing petitions. City overlay: SBMC §24.210.050 governs animal keeping in residential zones; non-domestic species outside the chicken/dog/cat scope require either a zoning interpretation or are not permitted. Ventura County Animal Services responds to dangerous-animal and bite reports under the City contract. CDFW Wildlife Officers handle restricted-species cases.
Possession of CCR Title 14 §671 'A' species without permit: misdemeanor under Cal. Fish & Game Code §2125, fines up to $1,000 plus animal seizure; CDFW may also charge possession of endangered species as a separate misdemeanor or felony. Bringing prohibited species into California: Fish & Game Code §2116.5 misdemeanor. City zoning violation: administrative citation under SBMC Ch. 1.200 plus abatement of the keeping. Dangerous wild animal causing injury: civil liability plus possible Penal Code §399 (mischievous animal) felony exposure if owner had knowledge.
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