Is it legal to have a pet alligator?

Is it legal to have a pet alligator in Texas?

Yes you can keep an alligator as a pet in Texas, you just have to get the right permits and licenses.

Anyone know about Michigan's gator laws? I can't get any help from any of the offices i've called.

Originally Posted by Unregistered Anyone know about Michigan's gator laws? I can't get any help from any of the offices i've called.

Michigan has a Large Carnivore Act, but it only applies to the larger cat species and bears. I have not found any laws regarding nonnative reptiles, and there is nothing listed at kingsnake for reptile laws in MI.

Detailed Discussion of Exotic Pet Laws

Matthew G. Liebman

Animal Legal and Historical Center
Publish Date: 2004
Place of Publication: Michigan State University - College of Law
Printable Version

Detailed Discussion of Exotic Pet Laws

Detailed Discussion on Exotic Pet Laws

B. STATE LAWS Whereas the federal government is limited by the enumerated powers granted in the Constitution, state and local governments usually have plenary police power, which allows them to legislate for the general welfare. As such, there are fewer obstacles to passing exotic pet regulations at the state level. State laws are easier to pass than federal laws, and potentially more effective than local laws because of the resources and expertise available for enforcement through the state wildlife agency or state law enforcement agency. Though it is often difficult to get animal protective laws passed at the state level, these laws can be very effective when enforced. Exotic pet regulations vary from state to state. While some states have a complete ban on exotic pets, other states simply require permits for their possession, and some states have no regulations whatsoever. This paper does not aim to cover the laws of all 50 states, nor the laws of the thousands of counties and cities in the country. A fantastic resource for such thorough information is the Animal Protection Institute’s webpages. For a clickable map of all state laws and their texts, see http://www.api4animals.org/323.htm; For a color-coded map of state regulations, see http://www.api4animals.org/372g.htm; For the text of all state laws regarding exotics, see http://www.api4animals.org/372.htm. The purpose of this section, rather than to specifically discuss each state or local law, is to give a few examples of the major types of regulations, and to compare these approaches to exotic pets. While there is no uniformity in laws regulating the possession of exotic pets, three central variables recur among and between different jurisdictions’ laws: (1) the degree of regulation, (2) the animals covered by the law, and (3) the punishment for violation. In what follows, each of these variables are discussed in turn.

[sandra]

The Current State of Pet Shop Laws

Federal Law Summary (U.S.) While some legal protections exist, these laws are not sufficiently specific to provide meaningful protection to pet shop animals. For starters, the average person probably looks to federal law for a framework mandating the fundamental care of pet store animals here in the U.S. However, that assurance is misplaced as federal protection for these animals is almost nonexistent. The U.S. Congress passed the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) in 1966 (7 USC §§ 2123-2157). Originally called the “Laboratory Animal Welfare Act,” this law has been amended several times since its passage and now addresses certain warm-blooded animals maintained by animal dealers, transporters, and exhibitors in addition to research facilities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the AWA through its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Read more:

The Current State of Pet Shop Laws


To view pet shop laws, state by state, please click the link below.

Pet Shop Laws


Source:

www.bornfreeusa.org

Alligators are not pets. They are wild creatures who are extremely dangerous and unpredictable (much like the moronic humans who actually want to treat keep them as pets)

It is illegal in most states, and they are a huge financial liability. It is unclear why anyone with even half a brain would want to keep one in their home, under captivity, as a pet.

Have you thought about what diet the alligator would require? It is nothing other than pure idiocy and selfishness and even cruelty to want to treat an alligator as a pet.

Originally Posted by Unregistered Alligators are not pets. They are wild creatures who are extremely dangerous and unpredictable (much like the moronic humans who actually want to treat keep them as pets) It is illegal in most states, and they are a huge financial liability. It is unclear why anyone with even half a brain would want to keep one in their home, under captivity, as a pet. Have you thought about what diet the alligator would require? It is nothing other than pure idiocy and selfishness and even cruelty to want to treat an alligator as a pet.

Dear person above:
You obviously have no idea what you are talking about. For one, pet alligators really only need earthworms, crickets, waxworms...ect. They grow according to their surroundings, so won't end up a 200lb beast. As long as it is given a suitable tank of atleast 50lb capability, about 60% humidity, water (half-tanks are ideal), cooling pads, heated sunning areas, and plenty of places to hide to avoid stress, these pets can be very happy. With the right ownership, of course. So to assume any owner is moronic to keep an alligator is moronic in your own way. Maybe you should do a simple google before you go off on a topic you know nothing of?

[Friend In Court]

WHY would anyone want to keep an alligator? They are hard to cuddle with. Cold, not warm and snuggly. When they affectionately give one a nip, you can lose your fingers, hand or arm. They eat your other pets like cats and dogs. Florida has an abundance of 3-leggged dogs who escaped losing the rest of their anatomy. Their appetite grows as they do so crickets and earthworms the alligator might take as an insult -- not even an appetizer. And take off one's hand instead for a more fulfilling entree.

Dogs wag their tails when they are happy. When an alligator wags its tail it can knock you off your feet or give you a concussion.

If the neighbors find out, animal control will come take your alligator away, no matter how fond you are of your scaly, toothy pet and probably leave you a ticket with a big fine and/or a court date.

There are more satisfying, less troublesome pets.

I live in Colorado and I need to know if i can legally own an alligator please let me know as soon as possible.