SELECT A STATE

RHODE ISLAND:

State regulations regarding the importation and possession of native wildlife state: No person shall import, receive, or possess in this state a native animal, exotic animal, a member of a target species, or a hybrid, unless in possession of a current permit issued by the Director (of DEM) pursuant to these regulations.

In the regulations hybrid is defined as any animal which is the result of a domestic and wild animal cross-breeding.

Native is defined as any animal occurring naturally, either presently or historically in the state. Under the permitting guidelines it would be very difficult for the average person to meet necessary criteria to obtain a permit to possess such animals. A full text of the regulations can be viewed on the R.I. DEM website:  http://www.dem.ri.gov/pubs/regs/regs/fishwild/f_wimprt.pdf

According to the RI State Veterinarian Dr. Marshall, hybrid refers to ANY generation removed from the exotic ancestor, because of the questions of the effectiveness of the rabies vaccine.

Dr. Marshall, DVM
Rhode Island State Veterinarian
401-222-2781 ex 4503

Charlie Brown
Wildlife Biologist
Division of Fish and Wildlife
(401)-789-0281

1/30/12

Disclaimer: Please check all local, city, county, township, homeowners' ordinances in your area first before acquiring any hybrid or exotic animals.