In the heart of Texas, where cowboy boots and rodeos reign supreme, a new wave of exotic pets is sweeping the nation. From kangaroos to zebras, and even monkeys, the idea of owning a unique and unusual pet has become increasingly popular. However, not all states are as open-minded as Texas when it comes to exotic pets. Folks in East Texas love their pets. In our house, we have two cats that provide love and laughs every day. You probably have a dog or two. Others may have a snake or a parakeet or fish. But some in Texas want a more exotic type of pet. A kangaroo, for instance, is a cute animal that some may want to own. How ’bout a camel? Watch out, they spit. If you want to add some color to your horse farm, how ’bout a zebra? In Texas, there is no state law that prohibits the ownership of exotic pets, but it is regulated by local governments. What’s allowed in one county may not be in another. For example, in some counties, you can own a monkey, while in others, it is strictly prohibited.
- Some examples of exotic pets you can own in Texas include:
- Lion
- Tiger
- Hyena
- Panda
- Elephant
- Kangaroo
- Zebra
- Camel
- Monkey
However, the local governments can place their own restrictions on ownership or make it outright illegal. For instance, in some counties, there may be a limit on the number of exotic pets you can own, while in others, there may be specific requirements for obtaining a permit.
| County | Restrictions on Exotic Pets |
|---|---|
| Dallas County | Restricts the ownership of big cats, bears, and primates |
| Tyler County | Requires a permit and limits the number of exotic pets to three |
| Gregg County | Prohibits the ownership of monkeys, lions, tigers, hyenas, pandas, elephants, and many other exotic animals |
In the case of Gregg County, a resident recently asked if she could have a monkey as a pet. The Gregg County Health Department Administrator, A.J. Harris, told her no, as the county has updated its policy to prohibit the ownership of monkeys and other exotic animals. A meeting of Gregg County commissioners was held to update their policy, taking into account the state’s regulations. The updated language agreed upon by commissioners now includes monkeys along with lions, tigers, hyenas, pandas, elephants, and many other exotic animals as illegal to own in Gregg County. If a resident is caught with any prohibited animal, they can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor and are subject to fines. A recent example of someone caught with a prohibited animal is a man in Tyler County who was fined $500 for keeping a bear as a pet.
“It’s not just about the safety of the public, but also about the welfare of the animal. We want to ensure that the animal is well-cared for and that the owner is able to provide the proper care and attention.”
The new policy aims to protect the public and the animals from potential harm. By prohibiting the ownership of exotic animals, the county can reduce the risk of attacks, escapes, and other safety concerns.
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