Exotic Pet Laws in Maryland

Maryland law prohibits the import of some exotic animals.

Many states limit what kinds of pets people can own, sell or otherwise use. These laws generally prohibit not only foreign or "exotic" species, but they also place limits on domestic species that are not domesticated or considered appropriate for human companionship. The state of Maryland's exotic pet law limits the species people can possess, and it imposes criminal penalties for anyone convicted of violating the statute.

Restricted Animals

The Maryland exotic pet restrictions include foreign species and those that can be found in the state in a wilderness environment. The law specifically prohibits people from importing into the state for sale, barter, trade, exchange or use as a pet any live animal of the following types: foxes, skunks, raccoons, bears, alligators, crocodiles, cats other than the domesticated house cat, and poisonous snakes in the family groups of hydrophiidae (sea snakes), elapidae (cobras and adders) viperidae (vipers) and crotalidae (rattlesnakes).

Exceptions

Although the general population is prohibited form importing these animals, the law does allow for specific exceptions. Anyone who imports such animals to sell, trade, barter or exchange them to or in connection with a public zoo, museum or educational institution is not subject to the law. Also, anyone who has a state or federal permit to use the restricted animals for any medical, scientific, educational, or exhibition purposes is similarly excepted from the prohibitions. Finally, anyone with a household pet permit issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is allowed to have that animal.

Penalties

Anyone found violating the law can be charged with a misdemeanor. The statute lists two possible penalties for violations, both of which are fines. For individuals violating the statute, a fine of up to $1,000 can be imposed upon a conviction. Organizations or groups such as importers, pet stores or breeders who violate this statute can be fined up to $10,000.

References

• http://law.justia.com/maryland/codes/gcr/10-621.html