Similarly, in the Northern Territory of Australia, it is illegal to export or keep axolotls. In addition, at least ten non-native invasive fish species have been introduced into Lake Xochimilco. These fish compete with axolotls for food and survival. As many have noted, it is illegal to have axolotls as pets in some U.S. states and Canadian provinces, as well as in other parts of the world. In the United States, axolotls are illegal in California, Maine, New Jersey and Washington, while in New Mexico and Hawaii, a permit is required. In Canada, it is illegal to own axolotls in New Brunswick, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, while in Nova Scotia, a permit is required. In Manitoba, axolotls are illegal in Winnipeg, but legal in the rest of the province. While this can be frustrating for those who live in places where these prohibitions are implemented, it`s important to remember that these rules are in place for valid reasons. The State of California considers axolotls to be „pests“. This means that they are thought to pose a threat to native wildlife. However, these iucn or CITES classifications of axolotls are generally not the reason why their possession is prohibited in some states. However, you are not allowed to legally import or export axolotls without permission.
And that`s not just true for Texas, but for every state or country. For beginners, Fantaxies is an information center that answers most of their questions and helps them raise healthy and happy axolotls. Permits are required to import legal pets listed in section 4-71-6.5 of the Hawaii Administrative Rules. These animals are subject to quarantine rules before being legally distributed to their owners. It is illegal to own dangerous regulated animals, including: Although it is perfectly acceptable and legal for you to have an axolotl as a pet, it is not legal to import them. The biggest threat to these native species is habitat loss and excessive pollution in Mexico`s lakes. All this environmental damage weakens juvenile axolotls and makes them susceptible to disease. For example, some scientists and biologists are concerned that axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) may mate with native species of Ambystoma salamander from the United States, such as Eastern Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma Tigrinum). The reason why many governments prohibit the possession of axolotls lies in the great environmental threat they pose if released into the wild. This is the case, for example, in California, where the eventual release of axolotls could cause serious damage to the environment.
When released into the wild, axolotls have the potential to easily outperform already fighting native salamander species such as the California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma Californianse) and the Eastern Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum). Although axolotls are legal to keep in Mexico. It is forbidden to take them in nature. Therefore, even in Mexico, it is better to get your adorable pet from a reputable breeder. No, it`s never bad to own an axolotl as long as you`re a caring and responsible owner. If the laws of your country allow the keeping of axolotls as pets, you should definitely get one. Although native axolotls are near-threatened species, the ban implies that captive axolotls differ behaviorally and genetically from native breeds. Instead, each state has its own laws and regulations that govern the possession of exotic animals in general and axolotls in particular. This means that your axolotl must be sold, purchased and stored in New Mexico at all times. You cannot import creatures from other states or countries, or export them elsewhere. Before we take a look at the legality of axolotl in all 50 states, let`s look at some of the factors that may have contributed to the legal determination of their status. Owning a species of Ambystoma is a crime in this state, no matter what a pet store says or if you bought the animal outside the state.
So it is not only axolotls that are illegal here, but any type of Ambystoma animal. It is illegal to conserve, import and export Ambystoma species to California. No, axolotls are no longer illegal in Virginia. In fact, as of August 1, 2021, it will be legal to import, export, sell, and own axolotls in Virginia. In some provinces of Canada, the possession of axolotls is completely prohibited. Not because they are endangered, but because they are pests. Non-native raccoons can be kept as pets with proper veterinary examination certification and proof of legal ownership. In fact, axolotls have been bred for many decades for scientific research or for the pet trade.
It is very unlikely that pet axolotls were caught in the wild at your local pet store. Therefore, the purchase of a company axolotl does not exert direct pressure on wild axolotl populations. Axolotls are illegal in California, Maine, New Jersey, Virginia and Washington. To legally own exotic animals such as axolotls in some states, you must obtain CITES permission. There are states in California where it is mandatory to have a special permit for the possession of axolotls. However, in other countries like Mexico, you do not need a permit to own axolotls. But it is strictly forbidden to import or export axolotls. In other words, axolotes are not legal in California. However, if you are a seller or breeder, UK laws require a special licence to sell axolotls throughout the UK. In addition, for the import and export of Mexican migratory fish, you should contact the laws of the country to avoid legal advice. Today`s article aims to answer the question: Are axolotls illegal in your state or province? In the state of California, it is illegal to own an axolotl as a pet.
It is even impossible to obtain a permit to keep any of these exotic animals in this state. Possession of a pet axolotl could be punishable by law. Wooden rattlesnakes and eastern copperheads can only be kept as pets if they have been legally harvested from the wild and require a venomous snake permit. Pet owners are limited to a wooden rattlesnake. Axolotls are illegal in some parts of Canada, not because they are endangered species, but because they are pests that pose a serious threat to native wildlife. However, in the face of increasing pollution and environmental crises, countries have taken steps to protect the natural environment by banning the import or export of axolotls. As owners, it is our responsibility to take care of our animals and not to do reckless things like releasing them into the wild. By complying with laws and regulations, we can continue to enjoy these animals as pets. A permit is required to own an axolotl in New Mexico. The approval serves as proof that the axolotl was purchased from an authorized dealer, that its origin is known and that it is in legal possession. Axolotls are allowed to be kept illegally as pets in different parts of the world. So, if you want to keep one, first check the laws of your country or state and then decide! Let`s say you`re stuck in an illegal state with your axolotl! Before we dive into the states that restrict the ownership of axolotls, let`s first discuss why axolotls are illegal in the first place.
Also in some parts of Australia, the possession of axolotls is quite acceptable. However, in some states, such as Western Australia, it is strictly forbidden to keep salamanders as pets. Some states have exceptions or require owners to obtain permits for certain animals, while a handful of states have no specific requirements for owning wild animals as pets. Many states are aware of the penalties for illegal possession of exotic animals, which can range from fees to criminal charges. Below is a brief table of the status of your state in relation to axolotl retention. This chart was updated at the time of the update in the upper left corner of this article. I will work to keep it up to date for my readers. Although there are many more examples of invasive species introduced into the natural habitat of wild axolotls (such as tilapia fish) than examples of axolotls becoming an invasive species in other habitats, the basic rule is to err on the side of caution. The information contained in this article may be incorrect, does not constitute legal advice and should not be considered as such. I am a simple axolotl lover, not a legal expert. The following article is based on my personal research and should only be used for educational, entertainment and informational purposes. You can keep axolotls with a permit in New Mexico and Hawaii.
In addition, some provinces in Canada prohibit the possession of axolotls such as New Brunswick, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island. In Nova Scotia, a permit is required to retain axolotls. No, axolotls are completely illegal in Texas as long as you comply with the laws and regulations of the city. You only ship to legal U.S. states with proof of approval. So make sure you have your permits ready! No, no permit is required to keep a pet axolotl in Alabama. Therefore, even in their country of origin, that is, Mexico, it is illegal to keep wild axololtls as pets. If you want to breed an axolotl, it is better to get it from a reputable breeder. Well, I understand that giving is a kind gesture, but don`t jeopardize the safety of your friends and family by giving them or giving them axolotl eggs.