25/05/2024
Prairie Dog Service Announcement (PDSA) – Prairie Dogs are NOT legally permitted to be possessed as pets in Alabama, and permits will NOT be issued. Please read more about this below:
One of many facets of my work with this species entails continual research and monitoring of the legality of possession of prairie dogs in captive situations in the United States and other countries around the globe. While there are exemptions to the possession of prairie dogs for licensed and accredited zoos, documented research through educational and other research entities, and those that can sometimes obtain permits as exotic brokers/dealers to sell some species to specific entities through special licensing requirements, there are many places where prairie dogs are not legal to be kept as a pet. There are a host of websites and social media platforms that contain misinformation on the topic. A client requested that I find out if the laws about pet prairie dog ownership had changed in Alabama, where prairie dogs are not lawfully allowed as pets in the state, and permits will NOT be issued for their possession as pets.
As has been stated on several occasions in this group and others, upwards of a dozen entities can often have authority over the possession of prairie dogs in captivity as pets. Even if ONLY ONE of the various entities says that they are not allowed, they are not permitted. In the case of Alabama, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Game and Fish Division is the entity with overall say and oversight.
Where this becomes particularly concerning in my work comes in finding experienced veterinary care as we all know that at some point, a prairie dog will require veterinary assistance, and having these resources identified BEFORE acquiring one is very important, mainly if an emergency arises as has happened countless times when someone doesn't have the help already readily identified and available. I often get calls in the middle of the night when someone discovers the hard way that they have no place to treat their beloved pet, and this lack of resources comes at their prairie dog's expense. It is HUGELY important to confirm by phone that a veterinarian will treat a prairie dog specifically BEFORE acquiring one. Just because a veterinary practice may treat exotics does NOT mean they will treat a prairie dog or some other non-common species, as many vets have exceptions for what they are willing to treat for numerous reasons.
I confirmed again today by phone as well that there has NOT been any change in Alabama’s laws on prairie dogs as pets with the State Veterinarian in Alabama who stated that "Prairie dogs are not legal to possess, import, or be sold as a pet in Alabama, and permits will NOT be issued for their possession as pets. Prairie dogs are classified as wild rodents per the administrative code, even if captive bred. Only those who meet the criteria mentioned above at the beginning of this message will be granted a limited special permit, unless an accredited zoo".
The particular law, rule, or statute that prairie dogs are classified under is:
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Administrative Code Chapter 220-2 Game and Fish Division under 220-2-.26(1) found on pages 2-54 and 2-55. “No person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association shall possess, sell, offer for sale, import, bring, release, or cause to be brought or imported into the State of Alabama any of the following live fish or animals: Any of the following from any area outside the state of Alabama; any member of the family Cervidae (to include but not be limited to deer, elk, moose, caribou), species of coyote, species of fox, species of raccoon, species of skunk, wild rodent, or strain of wild turkey, …"
Prairie dogs have NOT been legal as pets in this state for MANY years, and finding EXPERIENCED PRAIRIE DOG veterinary care isn't easy as they aren't routinely seen, but if you're fortunate enough to find a resource to treat them, that's a good thing, but be sure to find a vet before getting one so that you don't find yourself in a bad situation should the need for care arise.
Are there prairie dog police on the corner waiting to turn you in? No. Again, my only concerns are misinformation, dishonest sales, and, most importantly, access to licensed and experienced exotic veterinary care when this animal is in need. If you have an experienced vet who is willing to treat your prairie dog and you reside in Alabama, that would be fantastic! However, a strong word of caution in these instances: if you take your prairie dog outdoors or if they were to bite someone, then the laws would most certainly apply, and I have to work seizure cases quite often due to people not knowing the rules in their state to try to save their pets.
For those unaware, I hope this is helpful. For those who want to know anonymously the legal status of a prairie dog in another state or country, please reach out directly.
Why DON'T I post a list of legal/illegal states/countries for prairie dogs, and why should you be careful of anything posted in this regard and found online? Because laws are constantly in flux and change often, I check back as needed with all entities as part of my work to ensure what state/country I'm looking at is up to date and don't make assumptions at these wonderful animals' expense.
Unfortunately, knowledge of the legality of exotic pet ownership is always the responsibility of the buyer and not the seller, so please do not count on anyone selling a pet to you to know the laws. Ultimately, these businesses are often out for profit first, and many are unaware or will tell you what you want to hear to make a sale, knowing that they will not face repercussions unless caught doing so directly. Many sales of this species are only for a short time, so sometimes sellers sell them under the radar and never get caught.
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