News & Information

Summaries of State Laws Regarding Importation and Possession of Chimpanzees

ALABAMA
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources:
• do not need a permit to possess
• do need a permit to exhibit unless:
1. Municipal, county, state, or other publicly owned zoo or wildlife exhibit
2. Privately owned traveling zoo, circus, or pet shop
Department of Agriculture
• must notify the state vet at least 10 days before entering the state (including traveling shows)
• immediate opportunity for exam
• health certificate
(Click here for text of the law)

ALASKA
Department of Fish and Game
• do not need a permit to possess a chimpanzee – they are on a list of animals allowed without permits, and are the only primate on the list (along with dogs, cats, etc)
Department of Environmental Conservation
• need an import permit
• health certificate to import
(Click here for text of the law)

ARIZONA
Department of Game and Fish
• Classification system – one category.
• chimpanzees are a “restricted” wildlife – need a wildlife holding permit to possess
• Owner must legally possess the chimpanzee
• Purpose must be in the best interest of the chimpanzee OR the species
• Cannot adversely impact other affected wildlife in the state
• Must not pose a threat to wildlife or public safety.
• Permits can be issued for:
1. Wildlife management;
2. Education; ("Educational display" means to display captive live wildlife to increase public understanding of wildlife biology, conservation, and management without requiring payment from the audience.)
3. The advancement of science, or promotion of the public health or welfare;
4. Wildlife rehabilitation/foster an animal that cannot be returned to the wild
• Exemptions for the permit requirement – these situations do not require a permit to possess:
• a licensed vet
• wildlife is transported through the state within 72 continuous hours, the transportation is accomplished by one person without transfer or sale, and the wildlife is accompanied by evidence of lawful possession
• government-authorized state or county fair, or by a circus, or imported, possessed, transported and exported for the purpose of filming for television, movies, or commercials, if the wildlife:
a. Is accompanied by evidence of lawful possession
b. Is not in the state for more than 60 consecutive days
c. Is maintained under complete control and prevented from coming into contact with the public.
• advertising purposes other than filming if the wildlife:
a. Is accompanied by evidence of lawful possession
b. Is not in the state for more than 10 consecutive days, and the public is not charged a fee to view the wildlife;
c. Is maintained under complete control and prevented from coming into contact with the public.
• medical or scientific research facilities registered by the USDA
Department of Agriculture
• only has import requirements for exotics not classified as “restricted” by Fish and Game
(Click here for text of the law)

ARKANSAS
Game and Fish
• can’t possess wild animals unless:
1. AZA accredited zoos
2. “Bona fide scientific research, education, or conservation efforts of significant benefit to wildlife”
3. USDA licensed exhibitor
4. Wildlife Commercial breeder/dealer
5. Captive non-native wildlife must be certified to be free of diseases and parasites that threaten native wildlife
• Do not need a permit to possess unless person is a Wildlife Commercial Breeder/Dealer
• Do need a permit to import or transport
• Wildlife Commercial Breeder/Dealer and Wildlife Translocation permits – Must be 18 years or older with no convictions or guilty pleas for animal cruelty or violating wildlife laws in the last 5 years in order to get a permit
• Game and Fish does have caging requirements for people who hold permits
Livestock and Poultry Board
• Import permit
• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)
(Click here for text of the law)

CALIFORNIA
Fish and Game:
• Classification system – one category
• Chimpanzees are restricted – must have a permit. Permits issued to:
1. Resident who legally possessed the chimpanzee prior to January 1992
2. Exhibitor
3. Single Event breeding for exhibitor
4. Breeding
5. AZA
6. Research
7. Broker/Dealer
8. A person who is a qualified resident, and who has a statement verifying the need for a shelter or similar facility in the area, to transport and possess restricted species for humane purposes only
• In order to get a permit, a person must:
1. be 18 or older
2. have 2 years of hands on experience in similar facilities/similar activity with the animal
3. Must be a resident of California (except for exhibitor/broker-dealer permits)
4. Exceptions: AZA, research facilities, or other “bona fide scientific institutions” don’t need these qualifications.
• permit not issued until facilities have been inspected
• Health certificate
Department of Health Services
• Primates are specified in this regulation
1. Must have a permit to import
2. Must be quarantined for tests, exams, observation
• Permits granted without quarantine for:
1. Short term exhibition of captive born/raised primate with no contact with public
2. Short term exhibition of captive born/raised primate with direct contact with public
3. Zoo exhibits
4. Breeding
(Click here for text of the law)

COLORADO
Department of Natural Resources (Division of Wildlife)
• Classification system of 3 categories: prohibited, nongame, and unregulated wildlife
• Chimpanzees are not listed as any of these
• Need a license to possess
1. Exempt from license requirements: government agency, person with scientific collecting permit doing research, AZA accredited zoos, carnival and animal acts licensed by the USDA.
2. Types of licenses: Commercial Wildlife Park Licenses (issued to Wildlife Exhibitors Parks and Zoological Parks) and Non Commercial Wildlife Park Licenses (which are only issued to people who had them prior to Jan. 1, 1983)
• Importation license
• Health Certificate
• additional tests at the discretion of the department
Department of Agriculture
• importation permit (separate from DNR’s importation permit)
• Health certificate
(Click here for text of the law)

CONNECTICUT
Fisheries and Game/Dept. of Environmental Protection
• New law just passed in March 2004 (effective in October 2004)
• Classification system – one category
• Chimpanzees are “potentially dangerous animals”
• Cannot possess or import one unless:
1. Municipal parks
2. Zoos and nature centers
3. Museums
4. Labs or research facilities maintained by scientific or educational institution
5. People possessing animals legally on or before May 23, 1983.
• Need permit to possess, import, and transport (do not need permit to transport if you are licensed or exempt)
(Click here for text of the law)

DELAWARE
Department of Agriculture
• need permit to possess, sell, or exhibit animals not native to Delaware
• permits issued if possession or exhibition will be in the public interest
• need a health certificate to import
(Click here for text of the law)

FLORIDA
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Classification system based on the amount of restrictions on the animals
• Need permits to possess nonnative species unless:
1. Already have a permit to exhibit
2. USDA licensed research facilities do not need a permit to possess
• Need permit to exhibit
• Chimpanzees are a “Class I” species
• Cannot have them as pets unless a person had them on August 1, 1980 (then a Class II permit is required)
• To possess them at all:
1. Must be 18 years or older
2. Must have no convictions of captive wildlife regulation violations, animal cruelty, etc. within 3 years of application
3. Must have 1 year/1000 hours of substantial practical experience with the species or a substantially similar species (need a description of the experiences, dates, and two references)
4. educational experience at college or technical institute can substitute for up to 6 months of the experience or 500 hours
• Caging requirements
• Exhibition requirements (chimpanzees older than 6 months but less than 25 lbs can be held; chimpanzees older than 6 months but less than 40 lbs can be touched)
• transportation requirements
• requirements for performing and non-performing animals
Department of Agriculture
• CVI to import (valid 30 days)
• CVI to exhibit (valid for 90 days or the expiration of any required tests, whichever is sooner), must also be visually inspected upon arrival.
(Click here for text of the law)

GEORGIA
Department of Natural Resources, Division of Game and Fish
• Classification system – one category
• Chimpanzees are classified as “inherently dangerous:
• illegal to possess, import, transport, transfer, sell, or buy without a license or permit
• must have liability insurance – $40,000 per animal up to $500,000 total (except government agencies or university research facilities)
• must comply with humane care standards (facility, space requirements, food/water, sanitation, transportation, handling, veterinary care, etc)
• do not need a license or permit to transport through the state if the animal will be in the state no more than 24 hours and will not be sold or transferred while in the state.
• no license required for carriers regulated by the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Civil Aeronautics Board, or the Public Service Commission
Types of Permits/Licenses:
1. Wild Animal Permit: issued for scientific or educational purposes
2. Wild Animal License:
• issued to people in wholesale or retail wild animal business
• issued to people exhibiting wild animals
• fixed facility must be open to public no less than 30 hours/week or at least 6 months of the year, also must have each species identified on the cage with additional information available.
• transient exhibit must be open to the public for a reasonable period of time and reasonable hours of the day depending on the nature of the exhibit
• “Mobile educational programs” must have a minimum of 12 program hours a week, keep a sufficient distance between the animals and people, chimpanzees cannot be handled.
• exhibitors with both a fixed and mobile exhibit have to meet ONE of the hour requirements but not both
• exhibits by state/city/federal government and circuses that give 10% of their proceeds to a state charity do not need to PAY for the license (still have to get one and comply with standards)
• Criteria to get a license:
• must be at least 18 years old
• need a USDA license OR proof of exemption
• info on the facilities
• proof that it is allowed by the city and county ordinances
• facilities must be completely separate from the residence
Department of Agriculture:
• CVI
• Permanent ID
• TB test
(Click here for text of the law)

HAWAII
Department of Agriculture
• Classification system: Prohibited, Part A Restricted, and Part B Restricted animals
• Chimpanzees as Part B Restricted Animals – can be imported/possessed for:
• research by university or government agencies
• exhibitions in zoos
• other medical/scientific purposes
• private or commercial use
• (house bill was introduced this session to move chimpanzees to the prohibited list, but it didn’t make it through)
Basic importation requirements:
• Inspection upon arrival
• CVI to import
• Notification of Department of Agriculture upon arrival
• import permit
• can be quarantined for further tests
• short term import permits can be granted by the chairperson for circuses, carnivals, or filming
• also need permit to possess
Chimpanzees as a bonded animal:
• bond required to import/possess chimpanzees
• $2,000 per animal, or $1,000 if USDA licensed.
• Government organizations (including zoos) and non-profit animal sanctuaries are exempt.
• must notify department of #, kind, any changes, etc.
• must keep bonded animals in captivity
(Click here for text of the law)

IDAHO
Department of Agriculture:
• Classification system – one category
• Dept. of Agriculture also has jurisdiction over “Deleterious Exotic Animals”
• Animals that are non-native to Idaho that are dangerous to the environment, livestock, agriculture, or wildlife of the state
• Chimpanzees are not currently on this list, but the Dept. of Ag can add more species as it sees fit.
• Requirements for Deleterious Exotics:
1. Import permit. These are given to:
• Zoos
• Educational institutions for research
• Research facilities – beneficial to agriculture, the environment or wildlife
• USDA licensed facilities
• Circuses/traveling exhibitions (2 week permit)
2. CVI
3. Possession permit
4. Permanent ID
• More restrictions on who can sell/transfer ownership of these deleterious exotics
• More regulations on facilities
Basic Importation requirements:
• CVI
• Import permit from Div. of Animal Industries
• Dept has discretion to order more tests
Fish and Game
• Import permit
• CVI
• Do not need a permit to sell, export, or transport chimpanzees because they are an “unprotected wildlife” – an animal not classified by Fish and Game.
• Extra requirements for a “Wildlife facility” (license, evidence of legal possession of the animals, must comply with cage requirements, humane treatment)
(Click here for text of the law)

ILLINOIS
Department of Agriculture
• CVI
• importation permit
• Humane Care for Animals act sets out animal welfare standards
• Dangerous Animals act:
1. Chimpanzees are not listed as “dangerous animals”
2. If they were, people would not be able to possess them unless they were in an “escape proof enclosure” at a:
• zoological park
• federal licensed exhibit
• circus
• scientific/educational institution
• research lab
• veterinary hospital
• animal refuge
Department of Natural Resources
• primates are not covered by the DNR Wildlife Code
• But still need an importation permit within 30 days of entry certifying the animal is free from disease and will not damage existing wild/domestic species
• unless 1) zoos, 2) other public display, 3) other situations the DNR exempts by rule
Fair Exhibition Rules
• State Fairs (Illinois State Fair and Duquoin State Fair)
1. CVI
2. void 30 days after issuance for out of state animals, 90 days after issuance for in state animals
• County Fairs
1. Entry Permit for out of state animals
2. CVI (void 30 days after issuance for out of state animals, 90 days after issuance for in state animals)
3. Must comply with Humane Care for Animals requirements
(Click here for text of the law)

INDIANA
Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife
• importation permit (except zoos or other public displays)
• In order to get an importation permit, must show animal is free of disease
• does require permits to possess some wild animals – but not chimpanzees
• for the animals that require a permit, Fish and Wildlife also has many requirements for housing, maintenance, etc.
Department of Agriculture
• CVI within 30 days of entry (It doesn’t seem like the regulations deal with non-domestic animals, but the woman I talked to said they require a health certificate)
(Click here for text of the law)

IOWA
Department of Agriculture
• Need a CVI to import
• Need a license to be a dealer or commercial breeder – unless federally licensed. Then, a certificate of registration will be sent in the mail.
• Exhibit at the state fair:
1. need a CVI within 30 days prior to entry, animal must be free of symptoms of infectious/communicable disease.
2. But, CVI can sometimes be waived if there are prior arrangements to have the fair vet inspect on arrival.
• Exhibit at county fair:
1. Inspection on arrival
2. No CVI required on 4-H or FFA shows
3. Quarantined animals cannot be exhibited.
• There are animal welfare regulations (veterinary care, sanitation requirements, transportation, caging requirements) but they only apply to pet shops/kennels/etc. Also, they do not apply if the person is federally licensed.
• Bottom line – if someone is USDA licensed, the only thing the state requires is the certificate of registration which is (automatically) sent in the mail.
Department of Natural Resources
Nothing – no laws on who can possess, etc. DNR only regulates species native to Iowa.
(Click here for text of the law)

KANSAS
Animal Health Department:
• CVI to import
• No import permit required
Department of Wildlife and Parks:
• can import, posses, or sell ANY exotic animals if the animal was legally raised, exported, possessed, sold, bought in its place of origin
• must be confined and controlled at all times
• No limit on the number of animals someone can have
• No permit to possess required for primates
(Click here for text of the law)

KENTUCKY
Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Classification system: Prohibited, inherently dangerous, and unregulated animals
• Chimpanzees are not classified as prohibited animals or “inherently dangerous animals” (Gorillas are). “Inherently dangerous animals” require certification by local authorities that possession is not prohibited.
• Need a transportation permit
• Need a CVI to get transportation permit
• Chimpanzees as federally threatened species – can’t get the transportation permit without approval of the department, must be for some legitimate scientific or educational purpose (zoo, government agency, college/university, or similar educational or research institution)
Department of Agriculture
• CVI to import
• entry permit
• number of animals must be reported to the department, immediate opportunity for exam
(Click here for text of the law)

LOUISIANA
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
• Classification system – one category
• Lists “potentially dangerous quadrupeds” – can’t have them unless it is a zoo, educational or scientific institution. But, chimpanzees are not on this list (only includes bears, wolves, cougars, mountain lions, etc.)
• does require a license required to exhibit or breed
Department of Agriculture
• CVI
• Report number of animals to the state vet within 10 days
• provide opportunity for immediate exam
(Click here for text of the law)

MAINE
Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
• Need a permit to import (unless in continuous transit through Maine)
• Need a CVI in order to get the import permit
• Need a permit to exhibit (for commercial exhibition, attracting trade, or for educational purposes)
• Need a permit to possess – but can only get a permit to possess primates for therapeutic, emotional, or handicapped aid
• Also has general welfare, caging (specific for chimpanzees), sanitation standards
Department of Agriculture
• seems to only regulate domestic animals
(Click here for text of the law)

MARYLAND
Department of Agriculture
• report number of animals imported to the department within 72 hours of arrival
• immediate opportunity for exam
Department of Health
• Has authority to prohibit importation and possession of any animal found to be dangerous to human health and safety – but, department has not prohibited importation or possession of chimpanzees
• This authority doesn’t extend to animals used for scientific or educational purposes or for public exhibition
Department of Natural Resources
• requires permits for NATIVE species only
• do have a rabies restriction, but chimpanzees are exempted
(Click here for text of the law)

MASSACHUSETTS
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
• Need an import permit (CVI/health inspection is required to get the import permit)
• Need either a propagator’s license, dealer’s license, or license to possess in order to have a chimpanzee
• USDA approved zoos don’t need a license (and other zoos, natural history associations, or museums may be exempt from the licensing requirement at the discretion of the director of the department)
• License to possess will not be granted to keep a chimpanzee as a pet (unless the person had it before Jan. 1, 1974)
• Propagator’s license will not be granted for purposes of novelty, personal amusement, etc.
• Propagator’s license CAN be granted for:
• legitimate scientific use
• legitimate educational use
• commercial use in conjunction with applicant’s primary job if the animal is a necessary and essential element
• USDA approved zoo breeding programs
• captive propagation programs
• sale for some purpose other than sale as a pet
• Person can also get a temporary possession permit
(Click here for text of the law)

MICHIGAN
Department of Agriculture
• CVI
• Department of Agriculture has extensive laws for wolf-dog hybrids and large carnivores (big cats and bears) but nothing for other exotic species
Department of Natural Resources
• only regulates native species
(Click here for text of the law)

MINNESOTA
Current Law:
Department of Natural Resources
• Classification system: prohibited, regulated, unlisted, unregulated animals
• chimpanzees are unlisted
• Do NOT need a permit to possess them, but cannot release them into the wild
Board of Animal Health
• does not regulate exotics.
New Law (in effect January 1, 2005)
• Primates are a “regulated animal”
1. Illegal to possess them
2. Can’t take possession of one after bill goes into effect
3. People who already have chimpanzees have to comply/register within 90 days
• If someone has USDA license, can
1. Maintain his inventory
2. Sell animals to other USDA licensed facilities for replacement purposes
3. Sell animals outside MN
4. Sell animals to owner in MN who had chimpanzee prior to legislation (can replace the chimpanzee once)
• If someone DOES have a chimpanzee, have to:
1. Maintain health and ownership records
2. Ongoing veterinary care
3. Notify animal control of change of address
4. Display a sign
5. Maintain a written recovery plan
6. Find a long-term replacement if he can no longer care for it.
• Exemptions:
1. AZA
2. a wildlife sanctuary;
3. fur-bearing animals possessed by a game farm that is licensed under section or bears possessed by a game farm that is licensed under section
4. the Department of Natural Resources, or a person authorized by permit issued by the commissioner of natural resources
5. Research/medical facility
6. USDA licensed exhibitor of regulated animals while transporting or as part of a circus, carnival, rodeo, or fair
(Click here for text of the law)

MISSISSIPPI
Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
• Classification system – one category
• Chimpanzees are classified as animals that are inherently dangerous to humans
• need a permit to import, transfer, sell, buy, or possess
• In order to get a permit, need $100,000 liability insurance for each animal (maximum amount of $1 million)
• Exempt from permit requirement:
• public zoos
• university research facilities
• government agencies
• transient circuses
• rehabilitation facilities
• sanctuaries
Board of Animal Health
• CVI
(Click here for text of the law)

MISSOURI
Miscellaneous Offenses
• chimpanzees are “dangerous wild animals”
• “owner” must register with the local law enforcement agency UNLESS:
1. Zoological park
2. Circus
3. Scientific or educational institution
4. Research lab
5. Veterinary hospital
6. Animal refuge
Department of Agriculture
• CVI to import, transport or exhibit
(Click here for text of the law)

MONTANA
Department of Livestock:
• permit (will be given if there is no significant danger to public health)
• CVI
• Exemption: don’t need a permit if just going through the state without unloading
• animals entering illegally will be quarantined.
Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks:
1. Regulates roadside menageries
2. New classification system in effect January 2004:
• classifies exotic animals as noncontrolled, controlled, or prohibited.
• Chimpanzees have not been classified yet
• apparently, unlisted species must be classified by the committee before they are supposed to be admitted into the state.
• couldn’t find any regulations from MT Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Maybe they haven’t made any yet?
• This system applies to everyone except AZA accredited zoos, domestic animals, and there is some sort of grandfathering system for people who already had the animals.
(Click here for text of the law)

NEBRASKA
Game and Parks Commission:
• Has a permitting system in place – but only regulates native species.
Department of Agriculture:
• CVI
• entry permit
(Click here for text of the law)

NEVADA
Department of Wildlife:
• Chimpanzees and other primates can be possessed, imported, exported, and transported without any permit or license from this department
Department of Agriculture:
• CVI (not in the regulations, but an official said they require a health certificate)
(Click here for text of the law)

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Department of Fish and Game:
• Classification system: controlled, non-controlled, prohibited animals
• Chimpanzees are “controlled” animals
1. Need permit to import
• import permits are only issued to exhibitors
• since chimpanzees are threatened species on the federal list, need a federal permit before getting a state import permit
• CVI to import
• must notify the department within 5 days of importation
2. Need permit to possess
• permits to possess are only issued to exhibitors
• OR, if someone had the chimpanzee prior to 1992, they can get a permit to possess
• inspection of facilities for new applicants
• must follow handling, health, sanitation, nutritional, housing, caging requirements
• animal must be confined at all times
3. Need permit to exhibit
• “exhibitor” = engaged in showing, displaying, or training the animal for the purpose of public viewing whether or not a fee is collected AND licensed by the USDA or USFWS as an exhibitor
• wildlife MUST be in enclosure – NO human contact
• to get an exhibitor permit, must have 2,000 hours of paid experience in animal husbandry or as a licensed wildlife exhibitor
• exhibit must be more than 100 feet from the center line of a highway or road
• exhibitor must notify the city and comply with local ordinances
• mobile exhibit must supply list of dates and locations
(Click here for text of the law)

NEW JERSEY
Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife:
• Classification system – one category
• Chimpanzees are a “potentially dangerous species”
• Cannot have them as a pet or hobby, in commercial premises (unless it was there prior to Jan. 17, 1995), or in a situation that could adversely affect the animal’s health threaten public safety.
• Must have a permit to possess
• Types of permits that can be issued:
• Scientific holding
• Zoological holding
• Animal Dealer
• Animal Exhibitor
• Animal Theatrical Agencies
• Permit criteria:
• extensive experience with the species
• working knowledge of caring for the species
• facilities that prevent public contact with the species
• applicant provides a description of the purpose and intent, housing and caging facilities
• also must meet the general criteria for possessing any exotic animal (diet/caging requirements, legal acquisition of the animal, prompt veterinary care, CVI on request)
Department of Agriculture:
• only regulates importation of domestic animals
(Click here for text of the law)

NEW MEXICO
Department of Game and Fish:
• Need permit to import
• chimpanzees as “protected” species: can be imported to zoos, educational facilities, scientific study
• chimpanzees as federally threatened/CITES listed: can only be imported for scientific study or approved restoration/recovery plans
• Can get temporary importation approved for exhibition, advertising, movies, etc. if the animal will be in NM for less than 30 days
• Educational Use Permit
• 2 references
• at least 1 year of experience handling the wildlife
• 5 letters from interested parties requesting the educational program
• no audience contact with the animals
• annual reports

Note on New Mexico law: There is repeated mention online by other animal welfare groups of a New Mexico Game and Fish policy statement that bans private possession of primates. It is not available online, and when I called the department, I was told they didn’t know anything about a policy statement. The requirements listed above are the ones included in the Game and Fish regulations.

(Click here for text of the law)

NEW YORK
Current law:
Department of Agriculture and Markets
• No general import rules
• But, for admission to a fair, primates need:
1. CVI
2. Permanent/unique identification
3. Rabies vaccination if vaccine is available for the species
4. Negative TB test within 12 months of entry
Department of Environmental Conservation
• Need a license/permit to possess and transport non-native wildlife if the department determines the species presents a danger to the public health and welfare or a threat to some native species
• Need a license/permit to possess – issued for propagation, scientific, or exhibition purposes. May require a fee, 2 references, $200 bond.
• Need a license to possess and SELL for propagation, scientific, or exhibition purposes
New Legislation (in effect January 2005 if signed by the governor):
• Classification system – one category
• cannot have a nonhuman primate as a pet
• grandfather clause: people who already had primates as pets can keep them for the life of the animal IF:
1. No animal cruelty convictions
2. They apply for a permit
3. They comply with the animal welfare regulations
4. They do not breed, sell, barter, trade, etc the animal
• Exemptions:
1. Zoos
2. Licensed exhibitors
3. Licensed research facilities
4. Vets, humane, societies, etc. in temporary possession of wild animals
5. State universities or other state agencies
6. Wildlife rehabilitator
7. Person transporting the animal to a vet, rehab, sanctuary, etc.
8. Person transporting the animal through the state when the animal is in the state less than 10 days.
(Click here for text of the law)

NORTH CAROLINA
Wildlife Resources Commission:
• statutes leave it up to cities and counties to regulate/prohibit possession of exotics
• need an import permit
Department of Agriculture:
• CVI
(Click here for text of the law)

NORTH DAKOTA
Board of Animal Health:
• Classification system – five categories of “nontraditional livestock” ("Nontraditional livestock" means any wildlife held in a cage, fence, enclosure, or other manmade means of confinement that limits its movement within definite boundaries or an animal that is physically altered to limit movement and facilitate capture.)
• Chimpanzees as Category 4 nontraditional livestock:
• Category 4 – “inherently or environmentally dangerous”
• need import permit
• need nontraditional livestock license
• CVI
• Individual ID
• annual report to the Board
• fencing requirements
• must comply with AWA standards – both USDA licensed and NON-USDA licensed
Additional primate specific requirements:
• space requirements
• must comply with 9 CFR 3.75
• animals in the presence of someone other than owner must be under the direct control and supervision of the owner
• CVI (TB test; negative hepatitis A test; fecal test for parasites, shigella, and salmonella)
• to possess – negative TB test prior to license renewal and w/in 30 days of change of ownership
Game and Fish:
• only regulates native species
(Click here for text of the law)

OHIO
Department of Agriculture:
• Import permit
• CVI within 30 days of entry
• Individual ID
• TB test within 90 days prior to entry
DNR Division of Wildlife:
• only regulates native species
(Click here for text of the law)

OKLAHOMA
Department of Wildlife Conservation:
• Requires a noncommercial breeder’s license to breed or raise wildlife for noncommercial purposes (breeding for hobby, educational and scientific purposes, personal consumption, cure and rehabilitation, etc.)
• Can’t release exotic wildlife without written permission
• Can’t possess endangered/threatened species (unclear if this means Oklahoma endangered/threatened species – the definition includes species on the federal list) unless it is legally obtained, not from the wild, and kept as a pet.
• Oklahoma also requires a commercial wildlife breeder’s license to breed, possess, or raise wildlife for commercial purposes – but this only applies to native species. There was legislation introduced this session to add exotic species to this requirement, but it didn’t pass.
• BUT, primates are listed as “domesticated” and are exempt from all permitting and licensing requirements
Department of Agriculture:
• CVI to import
• other tests at discretion of department
• No permit required – primates exempted
(Click here for text of the law)

OREGON
Department of Agriculture:
Regular livestock import rules:
• need permit
• CVI
• Do not need permit if just going through the state, or if a resident animal is leaving and coming back within 30 days
Special regulations for importation of nonhuman primates:
• Import permits issued to:
1. Zoos
2. Zoological gardens
3. Research labs
4. Fairs, circuses, exhibitions
5. OR, other facilities that the Department deems equipped to deal with chimpanzees in such a way that is not detrimental to chimpanzees health and that chimpanzees will not come into contact with the public.
• Health certificate
1. TB test
2. Salmonella, Arizona, Shigella
3. Internal/external parasites
• Must also comply with the federal transport regulations in 9 CFR 1.1 – 3.142
Chimpanzees as Class 1 exotic animals:
• need a permit to possess from Dept of Ag unless licensed by USDA or a state licensed wildlife rehab center
• $300 fee for a chimpanzee permit
• When deciding whether to issue the permit, Dept considers:
1. Proximity of the facility to the public
2. Potential for unintended/accidental public access to facility
3. Potential for vandalism that compromises the security of the facility
4. Potential for willful harassment or disturbance of the animal
5. Were all federal, city, county laws met?
• Department will interview the potential owner – must have at least 500 hours of experience with the species of animal, at least 250 of which must be with chimpanzees in particular. Also will ask about the facility.
• Department may inspect the facility.
• special regulations for housing, maintenance, transportation of primates
• USDA licensed facilities are exempt from all of these regulations and standards
Fish and Wildlife:
Apparently, although Fish and Wildlife has an extensive classification system for nonnative wildlife, chimpanzees are an exception and fall totally under the jurisdiction of the Dept. of Agriculture. Someone at ODFW explained that Dept. of Ag. has jurisdiction to control diseases and prevent entry into Oregon of animals that might convey diseases to livestock or the public. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife has authority over all wildlife in the state. But, since there are no wild species of primates (or boars, cats, and canids) authority for those animals was given to the Dept. of Agriculture.
(Click here for text of the law)

PENNSYLVANIA
Department of Agriculture:
• sanitation standards for (and definition of) exhibition – must have a hand cleansing facility, must put up notices about the facility, etc)
• Need individual ID for imported animals, except those entering “diagnostic centers”
• Health certificate
• report number of animals to the Dept. of Ag. within 10 days
• immediate opportunity for exam
Game Commission:
• Chimpanzees as “threatened species” – need a state permit to possess, in addition to federal permit
• “exotic wildlife” possession and dealer permits are also required – but “exotic wildlife” only includes members of the families Felidae and Canidae (big cats, wolves, etc)
• Need a permit to have a menagerie
1. 2 years experience
2. Letter of reference
3. Also, there are a whole bunch of housing requirements specific to chimpanzees
• But, do not need permits if:
1. Public zoological gardens
2. Private AZA accredited zoological part or garden
3. Nationally recognized circus
(Click here for text of the law)

RHODE ISLAND
Department of Environmental Management:
• Need permit to import and permit to possess any primate, except:
1. Short term non-resident exhibitions (can’t sell, trade, or give away the animal while in the state, must be in the state less than 30 days)
2. AZA accredited facilities
• Can get an import permit for a pet. Affidavit/declaration must include:
1. # and name of species
2. Date and location of acquisition
3. Where it will be quarantined for exam
4. Must notify Dept within 10 days who the vet is who will be testing the animal
5. Must pay the import fee within 10 days
• permits can be issued to:
1. USDA/AZA licensed facilities
2. Exhibitors
3. Private persons
• Department has discretion – applicant must show how he will care for the chimpanzee, etc.
• Need a CVI to get the permit
(Click here for text of the law)

SOUTH CAROLINA
Department of Natural Resources:
• DNR restricts importation and possession of some native species (requires a permit), but has no restrictions on possession of exotics
Livestock-Poultry Health Division (out of Clemson University):
• CVI
• Tests for diseases specific to the species
• Individual and permanent ID
• entry permit from State Vet
(Click here for text of the law)

SOUTH DAKOTA
Animal Industry Board:
• Nonhuman primates are not listed as prohibited or restricted
• Need a CVI and import permit to import but no permit to possess
• State fair: out of state animals need a CVI plus a permit number to exhibit
• To exhibit, generally: need a CVI
(Click here for text of the law)

TENNESSEE
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency:
• Classification system – multiple categories
• Chimpanzees as Class I species
• can only be possessed by zoos, circuses, and commercial propagators
• permission can be issued to research studies or for temporary holding of animals in the interest of public safety
• People who possessed chimpanzees prior to June 25, 1991 can get a permit to possess. If they have more than one, they can breed them up to a maximum of 3 animals. But, they can’t get any new animals.
• Qualifications for possession a Class I species:
• must be 21 years old
• must have 2 years experience in handling and care of the species OR must take and pass a written qualification exam
• facilities must be located where the holder lives or a full time resident caretaker must be there
• must have at least 1 acre of land for a personal possession permit
• must have at least 3 acres for a commercial propagator permit
• can’t be in a multi-unit dwelling or trailer park
• must have a plan for recapture or destruction of the animal in case of escape
• must prevent direct contact between the animal and the public at all times
• (need documentation of supplier and date of acquisition)
• Types of Permits:
1. Personal possession
2. transfer of ownership
3. commercial propagator
4. propagator
• cannot propagate Class I species for personal use, only commercial propagators can propagate Class I species
5. importation
• must report to agency within 5 days of entry
• zoos and temporary exhibitors do not need an import permit
6. temporary exhibitor
• must submit schedule of locations and dates 21 days prior to the first date
7. permanent exhibitor
8. zoo, nature center, rehabilitator, educational exhibit
• Housing and transportation standards:
• specific criteria for chimpanzees
• stationary enclosures
• mobile facilities
(Click here for text of the law)

TEXAS
Department of Health:
• Classification system – one category
• Chimpanzees as “dangerous wild animals”:
• certificate of registration
• liability insurance of at least $100,000 for each occurrence
• Follow AWA standards for facilities, health, vet care (must keep a log of animal’s vet care), transportation UNLESS licensed by USDA (then are exempt from these requirements – but aren’t they required to follow them by the USDA anyway?)
• specific caging requirements for chimpanzees
• Exemptions from ALL of these regulations – don’t need a permit to keep a chimpanzee:
1. Research facility licensed by USDA
2. AZA facility
3. Animal being transported or rehabilitated by a licensed vet, humane society, shelter
4. Transient circus not based in TX if the chimpanzee is an integral part of the act and the chimpanzee is only in the state for the time the circus is in the state (or, the chimpanzee is left in the state for not more than 30 days while the circus is performing outside of the country)
5. Filming for TV or movie
6. College or university
7. Class A or B dealer by USDA
8. Chimpanzee is part of the AZA species survival plan
9. Chimpanzee is transported through the state in compliance with AWA
(Click here for text of the law)

UTAH
Department of Agriculture and Food – Animal Industry:
• CVI
• Permit number (issued to zoos or exhibitions)
Department of Fish and Wildlife:
• Utah has a classification system – chimpanzee (and other great apes) are listed as “prohibited”:
• need a certificate of registration before importing, transporting, or possessing
• List of factors considered when determining whether to issue the certificate (health/welfare of the public and of other animals, facilities, experience of applicant, etc.)
• Additional factors to consider for scientific and educational uses
• Personal use (the possession and use for a hobby or for its intrinsic pleasure and where no consideration for the possession or use of the animal is received) of a chimpanzee is not allowed (certificates of registration NOT issued for personal use).
• Commercial use:
1. certificates of registration are issued to zoos, circuses, amusement parks, film companies
2. If it is beneficial to the wildlife or significantly benefits the public without material detriment to the wildlife.
3. Must keep chimpanzees in a park, building, cage, enclosure, or other structure for the primary purpose of exhibition or show
4. Might also be able to keep a chimpanzee for commercial purposes if there is a “memorandum of understanding with the division”
• Scientific/educational use:
1. Certificates issued to universities/colleges, government agencies, bona fide non-profits, person involved in research
2. IF use is beneficial to the animal or significantly benefits the public without material detriment to the animal.
• Transportation requirements – can transport a chimpanzee without a certificate of registration if:
1. Chimpanzee is in Utah for no more than 72 hours
2. Chimpanzee is not sold, transferred, exhibited, displayed, or used for commercial venture while in Utah
3. Need a CVI from the state of origin and proof of legal possession
(Click here for text of the law)

VERMONT
Fish and Wildlife Department:
• need a permit to import and to possess
• possession permits are not issued to keep animals as pets – only issued for bona fide scientific or educational purposes
• IF animal won’t be detrimental to native wildlife resources, domestic animals, agriculture and livestock, human health and safety
• Board considers these criteria when deciding whether to issue a permit:
1. Is the animal a threat to people, livestock, agriculture, native species?
2. Can the person adequately protect the public interest (knowledge, experience, facilities)?
3. Contact between animal and people other than the importer is prohibited, must have a permanent building for the animal, need a permanent ID.
• Need a CVI in order to get a permit to possess
(Click here for text of the law)

VIRGINIA
Department of Game and Inland Fisheries:
• Virginia statutes say that it is illegal to transport or possess (NOT import) animals on the U.S. threatened species list.
• BUT, threatened species CAN be possessed for “zoological, educational, or scientific purposes, and for propagation in captivity for preservation purposes.”
• Regulations say that permits are required to possess some wild animals (not chimpanzees). Animals who do not require a permit can be possessed, purchased, or sold, but cannot be released.
Department of Agriculture:
• chimpanzees are considered “monkeys” in the Department of Agriculture rules
• health certificate within 30 days prior to entry
• examination of “oral mucosa” to look for evidence of disease lesions or inflammatory processes.
• TB test within 30 days of entry
• These requirements do not apply if the chimpanzee is going to a lab or other institution that conducts research, teaching, or clinical studies.
(Click here for text of the law)

WASHINGTON
Department of Agriculture
• CVI required
• TB test within 30 days prior to entry (exemptions: chimpanzees younger than 6 months who are nursing on negative tested mothers)
• Animals entering without CVI will be quarantined at owner’s expense
Department of Health
• some species are prohibited by the Health Department – but not primates
(Click here for text of the law)

WEST VIRGINIA
Department of Natural Resources:
• only regulates native species
• However, statute seems to say import permits from DNR is needed for all wildlife (which is not defined as only native)
• need permit to keep a native wild animal as a pet, but it says nothing about non-native exotics
Department of Agriculture:
• need a health certificate to import wildlife
(Click here for text of the law)

WISCONSIN
Department of Natural Resources:
• Has recently passed a new “Captive Wildlife Act” with a classification system. But it only covers native species
Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection:
• If chimpanzees fall into the category of “circus, rodeo, racing or menagerie animals,” then they need a CVI and a permit to come into the state. They also must be isolated from all native wildlife and non-circus, rodeo, racing, or menagerie animals
(Click here for text of the law)

WYOMING
Division of Game and Fish:
• permit to possess, import, confine, and transport
• addresses mostly “big game” animals, not exotics
• Permit application has to state what purpose the animal will be used for, info on the facilities, description of the permanent ID, info addressing concerns that wildlife resources will be threatened.
• review of facilities
• CVI – TB test, ticks/mites/lice
Livestock Board:
• CVI 30 days prior to entry
• requirements for transporters (keep truck clean, keep CVI papers in the truck, stop at first port of entry in the state)
(Click here for text of the law)

For more information, please contact:

Great Ape Project
1.206.579.5975
gap@greatapeproject.org

 

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