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HomeFish and Game CodeDiv. 3Ch. 2Art. 1§ 2120 Wild Animal Import Regulations

§ 2120 Wild Animal Import Regulations

Fish and Game Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 2120 Wild Animal Import Regulations

This law lets the state set rules to control wild animals that are brought into or kept in the state, to protect native wildlife, farms, animal welfare, and public safety.

Key Takeaways

  • •The state can make rules about bringing in, keeping, or releasing wild animals.
  • •Permits are needed and must be inspected.
  • •If a wild animal gets loose, there are guidelines for catching it safely, including when lethal force may be used.
  • •All rules had to be adopted by January 1, 2007.

Example

A family wants to keep a pet monkey, and the state requires them to get a special permit and follow safety rules.

The state can require a permit, inspect the home, and if the animal escapes, they have rules for safely catching it or using lethal force if needed.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 2120 Wild Animal Import Regulations

(a) The commission, in cooperation with the Department of Food and Agriculture, shall adopt regulations governing both (1) the entry, importation, possession, transportation, keeping, confinement, or release of any and all wild animals that will be or that have been imported into this state pursuant to this chapter, and (2) the possession of all other wild animals. The regulations shall be designed to prevent damage to the native wildlife or agricultural interests of this state resulting from the existence at large of these wild animals, and to provide for the welfare of wild animals and the safety of the public. (b) The regulations shall also include criteria for all of the following: (1) The receiving, processing, and issuing of a permit and conducting inspections. (2) Contracting out inspection activities. (3) Responding to public reports and complaints. (4) The notification of the revocation, termination, or denial of permits, and related appeals. (5) The method by which the department determines that the breeding of wild animals pursuant to a single event breeding permit for exhibitor or a breeding permit is necessary and will not result in unneeded or uncared for animals, and the means by which the criteria will be implemented and enforced. (6) How a responding agency will respond to an escape of a wild animal. This shall include, but not be limited to, the establishment of guidelines for the safe recapture of the wild animal and procedures outlining when lethal force would be used to recapture the wild animal. (c) These regulations shall be developed and adopted by the commission on or before January 1, 2007. (Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 285, Sec. 30. Effective January 1, 2008.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

terminationpossessioncommissioncontractappealportregulationfine

Related Statutes

  • § 2150 Wild Animal Import Permits
  • § 8150.5 Sardine Possession Restrictions
  • § 8254 Commercial Lobster Permit Requirements
  • § 8460 Live Bait Fish License
  • § 2125 Violation Penalties And Enforcement

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Fish and Game Code. Section 2120.
View Official Source