>I was pondering this issue on California laws on gerbil keeping. I wonder
>what the issue is that California seems to be the only state that has ruled
>gerbil keeping illegal?
>Anyone with any insight on this?
>What about rats, hamsters, mice, ferrets, etc?
Gerbils are illegal in Hawaii as well. Ferrets are illegal in California
and Hawaii as well. I don't know about rats, mice and hamsters, but check
out the California Fish and Game Department website for a complete list of
illegal pets.
The general concern is that non-native animals will get loose, go feral and
wreak havoc on the local wildlife. This is certainly the case with mongoose
and cats in Hawaii; Together these two predators have devastated the
Hawaiian Goose population. Australia and New Zealand also have many great
examples of alien species, like rabbits and certain amphibians, messing with
the local ecosystem.
There are several organizations dedicated to legalizing ferrets in
California. Check out (on your favorite search engine) Californians for
Ferret Legalization and Ferrets Anonymous. I don't remember their websites
off hand.
Have fun reading!
Deb A.
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