The Law Regarding Exotic Pets in Missouri
The laws and regulations governing exotic pet ownership in Missouri primarily derive from Chapter 578 – Animals, of the Missouri Revised Statutes. This chapter addresses animal cruelty and other offenses in the context of animal law, but it also encompasses regulations that concern the ownership of exotic pets.
It is important to note that Missouri does not have an official comprehensive list of "prohibited species" at the state level. Under Missouri Licensing of Wild Animals Act, codified at Mo. Rev Stat. §§ 578.600-609 (2018), licensing is required for activities involving designated "wild animals." The wild animals designated as being subject to the licensing provisions are limited to specified birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. In addition to licensing requirements, the Act contains other miscellaneous provisions that address the transportation, housing and care of wild animals. The Local Regulation of Dangerous Wild Animal Act, codified at Mo. Rev Stat. §§ 578.600-608 (2008), requires state agency approval prior to local governments” imposition of a ban or other prohibition on the possession of any species of wild animal. Significantly, the Act identifies bears, cats, dogs, primates, ferrets, and "nonnative poisonous, venomous or constrictor reptiles" as listed types of dangerous wild animals; however, the Act does not explicitly mention or demonstrate an intent to exclude the aforementioned listed species, such as ferrets, from the legal definition of "wild animals . "
Under the Animal Care Facilities Act, codified at Mo. Rev Stat. §§ 273.325-360 (2017), the state Department of Agriculture undertakes the licensing of animal care facilities. Missouri law exempts several classes of animal facilities from Department licensing requirements. Exempted entities include animal shelters and rescue organizations; nonprofit humane societies and their voluntarily affiliated rescue groups; and government facilities such as state and county facilities. Animal care facilities classified as breeders must provide for the unrestricted access of state inspectors to inspect any animal in the facility, its housing and surrounding premises. The law additionally authorizes licensees to seek a licensee-to-inspector consultation to review the results of the Department inspection.
Far removed from the exotic or the wild, but no less interesting, are Missouri laws specifying prohibited species. Exemption 9 of Mo. Rev Stat. 284.010, entitled "Prohibited species," includes as follows: all species of feral swine, all species of non-native field mice, all species of wood rats, Eurasian collared-doves, European starlings, and feral ("free-roaming") cats and dogs.
Legal Types of Exotic Pets in Missouri
When it comes to exotic pets, Missouri law doesn’t even try to be exhaustive. That’s because Missouri’s list of allowable and prohibited species contains both general and specific listings. Both descriptions are found in the Missouri Code of State Regulations, at Section 3 CSR 10-9.110. The general description is 14 words long and reads as follows: Geographic forms or subspecies of any species of animal not native to Missouri. Missouri law then lists 119 protectable "wild animals." While most of these appear to be covered by the general description, some may be subject to additional restrictions or exceptions. For example, the "Capybara" is a listing on both the general and specific lists. If you ever wanted to begin breeding your own Utility Capybaras, you are going to have to meet the registration requirements detailed in 3 CSR 10-9.110(d). The specific listing breaks down into four categories. The first covers species commonly seen in pet stores, such as sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) and hedgehogs (Erinaceus, Atelerix). Standard issue tortoises and African Sulcata tortoises (Testudo sulcata) are also found here. One common misconception is that the species in this first category are illegal as soon as the listing is amended. Not true. Animals that fall under this first category are legal as long as you obtained them legally (e.g., from a pet store, approved breeder, etc.) and they meet the health and safety regulations for the state. Your goal in Missouri should be to acquire your animal from an approved source, and keep all your vet records paperclipped to his or her cage. The second category is even more specific because it includes five truly popular pets/invasive species. Raccoons (Procyon lotor), feral hogs (Sus scrofa), European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), rock doves (Columba livia), and Eurasian Collared-doves (Streptopelia decaocto). None of these listed species can legally be owned as pets in Missouri, and permits won’t help you. Many people think these species are more common than some of the legal ones, so here’s a brief addendum: The third category is yet another "catchall" that covers most everything else. Here’s the full list (you’ll have to look up the scientific names): Clethrionomys Cercartetus Ochrotomys Microtus Dipodomys Sigmodon Perognathus Geomys Scapteromys Lemmiscus Zygodontomys Onychomys Reithrodontomys Ligonomys Neotoma Toque Macaque (Macaca sinica). It is easy to imagine a species that exceeds one of the above listings that still doesn’t make the final cut. The Cotia monkey is a great example. Cotia monkeys are endemic to Asia, and play host to Macaco seeleyi virus. Although some consider them the same as our homegrown macaques, the Cotia has its own (more dangerous) set of problems. Hence, no Cotia’s for you. The fourth category is the last, and saves the best for last. These are the giant snakes. The Artcica are ok. Anacondas are not. The Bullsnake is fine, the Reticulated python is not. Burmese Pythons are fine if shipped from the Philippines. If the python came from anywhere else, it might as well be illegal. The final protected species is again broken into four categories: Green iguana (Iguana iguana) Greenhouse Thrips Phragmites/Reed thrips Thyomine stink bug Kill Salad Worm Happy Tails Killer Bee Syrian Hamster Chinchilla Prairie/Grey Fox and Wolf hybrid (large mammal) African Spiny Mouse African Soft-Furred Rat African Flora’s Flying Snake American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)
Permits & Licenses for Exotic Pets in Missouri
Licenses, permits, and registrations for exotic pets are applicable to those who own exotic pets where local ordinances and the Missouri Revised Statutes lack preempting language. In those cases where a Missouri municipality does not bar exotic pets, it will often require a license or permit. Often local ordinances require exotic pet owners to pay a fee and provide proof of vaccinations for particular diseases. A local license may be a prerequisite to owning certain animals, while others—such as hawks and owls—require a license to rehabilitate and keep the raptor. Whether by ordinance, administrative rule, or statute, a license may also be required prior to selling or exhibiting an exotic animal at the state or local level.
The Department of Revenue issues most licenses for exotic pet ownership and trade in Missouri, but many local health departments have local ordinances dealing with exotic pets.
Several Missouri laws require permits for exotic pet owners, such as the following: The list goes on and on, and I am happy to break down each of these requirements.
State law authorizes an animal rescue organization to temporarily place an animal into a home without coming under the definitions of "kennel", "catteries" or "pet shops" if the group maintains a rescue license through the local county commission or the department. Applications are available at the local County Clerk Office, upon request. After filing the application, the county commission will schedule a meeting to consider issuance of such license. The license fee is $10.00. The license must be prominently posted on the premises where such animals are kept, and must be renewed annually.
What Are Your Responsibilities As An Exotic Pet Owner
When it comes to keeping legal exotic pets in Missouri, the responsibilities of the owner go beyond the confines of their property. Even so, the responsibilities start at home. When keeping legal exotic pets, owners need to provide for the well-being and safety of their exotic pets, the public, and the natural environment. Owners must also be aware of and obey all local, state, and federal laws. In order to safeguard the well-being of legal exotic pets and the public, an owner must: If an owner recognizes any problem with their legal exotic pet’s health or behavior, the owner should contact their veterinarian immediately for assistance. If any unusual incident occurs that involves their legal exotic pet, or if any animal will be shipped or otherwise moved to a new location, the owner needs to contact their local animal control or wildlife organization and the Missouri Department of Conservation prior to the exotic pet’s relocation or shipment. Individuals who decide to keep legal exotic pets in captivity, and within their household, must afford their legal exotic pets a humane and appropriate quality of life and environment. The legal exotic pets must also have access to adequate space that meets their demands. Adequate space includes, but is not limited to, water features, temperature, light, shelter, and area to move about and avoid stress. In addition to providing adequate space, the owner must afford the legal exotic pet an environment that is both safe and healthy. While this includes having an environment that keeps the public and other animals safe, the safety of the legal exotic pets themselves remains the priority. Households with legal exotic pets must be free of any overpopulation or environmental hazards. Adequate water must be available for legal exotic pets kept in captivity in Missouri. Whenever water is provided to a legal exotic pet, the water must be both clean and free of all known toxins. Owners must take steps to prevent legal exotic pets from coming into contact with toxic substances. Further, owners must provide legal exotic pets with any necessary medications and food they may require. When considering the welfare of legal exotic pets, an owner must also recognize the importance of human care. The functions performed by an owner, such as food procurement and distribution, are necessary for the health of their legal exotic pets. This also applies to skillful care of both the young and adult legal exotic pets. For example, the owner must be responsible for the medical care of their young legal exotic pets and have a plan in place should they require foster care . In addition to health care, an owner must provide the proper amount of socialization and interaction for their legal exotic pets, when appropriate. If possible, these legal exotic pets should be able to interact with humans, as well as other animals of their kind. Furthermore, if the legal exotic pet has any offspring, the owner must provide the habitat requirements for the legal exotic pets’ offspring. This could include, but is not limited to, providing a different form of sanitation, housing, and food. Owners must also be available for their legal exotic pets if a change in routine occurs. An owner’s legal exotic pet requires veterinary care. Veterinarians who provide care for legal exotic pets in Missouri should be knowledgeable in exotic therapy and veterinary care, and have direct experience with exotic species. The chosen veterinarian should also be willing to maintain current knowledge of exotic species. At a minimum, an owner should provide treatment for hydration and prevent disease. The owner should also know the common signs of illness and what to expect following a healthy legal exotic pet eating. An owner must ensure that all of their legal exotic pets are healthy. In doing so, an owner should maintain a daily log of their legal exotic pet’s activities and determine the legal exotic pet’s normal behavior. An alert system should also be implemented to alert the owner when any legal exotic pet is in need of assistance. During any visits with a veterinarian, the owner should provide the veterinarian with a detailed case history for each legal exotic pet. During all consultations with a veterinarian, an owner should be able to describe any problems and symptoms. Proper hygiene and exercise should also be provided to legal exotic pets. Furthermore, any necessary vaccinations should be given to a legal exotic pet. An owner must also be aware of and comply with all local, state, and federal laws governing the ownership of exotic pets. In particular, these laws can include penalties for the escape of a legal exotic pet. This need for an understanding of local laws also applies to housing, care, breeding, and handling of legal exotic pets. Finally, when their legal exotic pets become a nuisance or have other disciplinary problems, the owner should be ready to make any necessary adjustments to their legal exotic pets’ surroundings or behavior. Compliance with all legal requirements, and providing regular inspections and maintenance of conditions that include sanitation, ventilation, temperature, and light, should occur whenever adjustments are made.
What are the Consequences of Having Illegal Exotic Pets in Missouri
While the allure of the exotic pet industry remains strong, the penalties for failing to register and properly house your exotic pet are equally as serious. In fact, since May 2018, the city of St. Louis and several other municipalities have instituted itself, in addition to multiple state-level policies, strict penalties for failing to properly register and house exotic pets. Cities like Springfield, Cape Girardeau, Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Columbia and Branson have also added language to their ordinances to establish stricter penalties for the unlawful possession of exotic pets.
In 2015, Rep. Jeff Pogue filed legislation that would have repealed the law banning certain exotic pets as well as allowing residents to keep exotic pets if they were not on a list of prohibited animals. However many familiar with the exotic pet industry in Missouri do not believe this legislation will ever become law. Despite the efforts of Rep. Pogue and others, it is illegal in Missouri to keep certain exotic pets like ferrets, African hedgehogs or sugar gliders. While these animals were legal at one point, the law was changed to criminalize their possession by requiring that all exotic pets must be kept in proper indoor housing if you wish to keep them, even if they are not microchipped.
In general, you can be prosecuted with animal abuse if your exotic pet is not housed properly. Because the law is vague, enforcement seems to be up to the authorities and varies by jurisdiction. Animal control may seize your exotic pet, you may be punished with fines or even jail time. In some jurisdictions, maintaining an exotic pet outside of appropriate indoor housing is a misdemeanor while in others it is a felony.
The most current bill pertaining to exotic pets is SB 627… its passage is still under consideration.
Where to Find Legal Exotic Pets and Resources in Missouri
Missouri residents interested in acquiring legal exotic pets have a variety of options for finding reputable sources and resources. One resource to consider is searching online databases that list breeders or institutions licensed to sell exotic animals within the state. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains a database of licensed exhibitors and dealers, which includes information on those who sell birds, mammals, reptiles, and other animals for the pet trade. The Missouri Department of Conservation also provides a list of organizations and dealers who have the necessary permits to sell exotic animals in the state.
Another option for finding legal exotic pets is to visit websites and social media pages dedicated to exotic animal adoption. These groups often have listings of animals in need of homes and frequently collaborate with licensed rescue groups to provide potential adopters with access to animals from across the state . However, potential adopters should exercise caution and conduct thorough research into the organization they wish to adopt from, as not all sources of exotic pets are legitimate.
For those looking for more general information and resources pertaining to the care and ownership of exotic pets, there are numerous online forums and groups available to facilitate discussion and the exchange of resources and best practices. These online communities can be a valuable source of information for both new and experienced pet owners.
Finally, for those uncertain about where to begin their search for legal exotic pets, charitable organizations such as the Humane Society of Missouri or the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation can provide guidance and connect individuals with resources or local groups to assist in the pet adoption or acquisition process.