Why are gerbils illegal in California???

maherwoman · 05-03-06

Hey guys! I used to have triplet boy gerbils as a teen, and have been wanting to get more ever since, but have learned that gerbils are actually illegal in California. Does anyone have any idea why???

JennyH · 05-03-06

I don't live in the states so I'm not sure, but I think it's something to do with the fact that you've got the right climate for gerbils over there. I think they're scared that if they were to escape and breed the whole place would be over run with them! I think there are a few other pets that are banned out there too.. It seems rather silly to me really.

Doom · 05-03-06

I am sure most people are aware that species introduced into an environment can cause all sorts of problems.
For instance mice and rabbits in Australia have devastated crops, cats have devastated wildlife.
Gerbils are very adaptive animals and their has to be a concern of what would happen if animals released, on purpose or by accident, where to establish themselves in the wild.
Areas which offer a suitable environment and climate would be foolish not to consider such issues.
Australia makes importation of any 'alien' species very difficult. In america indivicual states make the decision and yes California has made the decision to limit some species to reduce the risk of release and environmental damage.

Punkygirl0101 · 05-03-06

Ferrets sugar gliders, hedgehogs, and many other animals are illegal here as well. I think it is stupid, and wish they were not.

Abbey · 05-03-06

Not really stupid, in some countries introduced species have wiped out other species native to that area.
The law is in place to protect animals, so I don't consider it stupid.

Punkygirl0101 · 05-03-06

Its not to protect animals, its to protect crops. The central valley, where I live, is the biggest producer of veggies, fruits, etc that supply the u.s with food.... But still, most likely if a ferret got out, and lost..it wouldn't survive the heat where i live. During the summer it gets up to 104. Like right now, its in the 90s already..

I did read that there are over 500,000 ferrets living in California...so, people keep them anyway. I am sure people keep alot of the other animals illegal here too.

05-03-06	#1
maherwoman Pets Hub Friend Join Date: May 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 170	Why are gerbils illegal in California??? Hey guys! I used to have triplet boy gerbils as a teen, and have been wanting to get more ever since, but have learned that gerbils are actually illegal in California. Does anyone have any idea why???

05-03-06	#4
Punkygirl0101 Pets Hub Saint Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: California Posts: 14,854	Ferrets sugar gliders, hedgehogs, and many other animals are illegal here as well. I think it is stupid, and wish they were not. __________________ 10 Dogs:Bob-Cartman-Bjorn-Lucy-Peanut-Ellliot-Daggett-Reese-Jannah-Charlotte 17 Cats:Kevin-Paris-Melvin-Monkey-Annabelle-Wolfy-Morris-Katie-Scooby-Lola(inside kitties)-Marilyn-Rudiger-Lasagna-Spam-Barry-Barney-Pebbles(live next door inside/outside) 2 Ferrets:Romy-Michelle 5 Rats:Heath-Patrick-Inu-Hugh-Jessie 2 Turtles: Tokyo-Squirt (both RES) Fish: Goldfish(2,000 gallon pond)-platys(20 gallon tank)-George the betta(10 gallon tank) Last edited by Punkygirl0101; 05-03-06 at 04:06 PM 05-03-06.

05-03-06	#5
Abbey Pets Hub Lover Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Elsewhere Posts: 358	Not really stupid, in some countries introduced species have wiped out other species native to that area. The law is in place to protect animals, so I don't consider it stupid. __________________ Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about puppies

05-03-06	#6
Punkygirl0101 Pets Hub Saint Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: California Posts: 14,854	Its not to protect animals, its to protect crops. The central valley, where I live, is the biggest producer of veggies, fruits, etc that supply the u.s with food.... But still, most likely if a ferret got out, and lost..it wouldn't survive the heat where i live. During the summer it gets up to 104. Like right now, its in the 90s already.. I did read that there are over 500,000 ferrets living in California...so, people keep them anyway. I am sure people keep alot of the other animals illegal here too. __________________ 10 Dogs:Bob-Cartman-Bjorn-Lucy-Peanut-Ellliot-Daggett-Reese-Jannah-Charlotte 17 Cats:Kevin-Paris-Melvin-Monkey-Annabelle-Wolfy-Morris-Katie-Scooby-Lola(inside kitties)-Marilyn-Rudiger-Lasagna-Spam-Barry-Barney-Pebbles(live next door inside/outside) 2 Ferrets:Romy-Michelle 5 Rats:Heath-Patrick-Inu-Hugh-Jessie 2 Turtles: Tokyo-Squirt (both RES) Fish: Goldfish(2,000 gallon pond)-platys(20 gallon tank)-George the betta(10 gallon tank) Last edited by Punkygirl0101; 05-03-06 at 04:22 PM 05-03-06.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

05-03-06	#2
JennyH Pets Hub Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: UK Posts: 46	I don't live in the states so I'm not sure, but I think it's something to do with the fact that you've got the right climate for gerbils over there. I think they're scared that if they were to escape and breed the whole place would be over run with them! I think there are a few other pets that are banned out there too.. It seems rather silly to me really.

05-03-06	#3
Doom Pets Hub Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: here Posts: 78	I am sure most people are aware that species introduced into an environment can cause all sorts of problems. For instance mice and rabbits in Australia have devastated crops, cats have devastated wildlife. Gerbils are very adaptive animals and their has to be a concern of what would happen if animals released, on purpose or by accident, where to establish themselves in the wild. Areas which offer a suitable environment and climate would be foolish not to consider such issues. Australia makes importation of any 'alien' species very difficult. In america indivicual states make the decision and yes California has made the decision to limit some species to reduce the risk of release and environmental damage.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
States Illegal?	DarkShwdLancer	Gerbil Forums	2	03-25-07 03:54 PM 03-25-07
illegal in GA???	ccoralli	Hedgehog Forums	2	03-21-05 11:52 PM 03-21-05
Gerbils illegal... ?	Kiro	Gerbil Forums	5	05-19-04 07:52 AM 05-19-04
are chinchillas illegal in california???	hotham	Chinchilla Forums	4	05-10-04 11:42 AM 05-10-04
Illegal in PA????	ILuvMyChin	Hedgehog Forums	5	02-11-04 01:52 PM 02-11-04