On one side of the backyard, there's a cougar, a fox, some raccoons and several skunks. Off of a small state road in Thorntown, near Lebanon, Vanderbush's home contains 42 species of animals. Most exotic animals found without a permit are confiscated by DNR staff and released into the wild if possible, euthanized or placed with someone like Joel Vanderbush. For example, Davenport pays $10 per pound of food for her skunk. She said one of the main problems with exotic animals is nutrition, as animals commonly kept in Indiana such as sugar gliders (which are like flying squirrels) have nutritional needs that are hard to replicate in homes. To have an appointment, owners must bring their permits, although the vets will treat emergency situations without checking documentation first. Angela Lennox, said that although she mostly treats hamsters, guinea pigs, birds and rabbits, she has treated a tiger at her clinic. The DNR also gets tips from veterinarians.Īvian Exotic Animal Clinic on the Northside treats just about any type of exotic pet, including Davenport's skunk. The animals did violate a city ordinance regarding exotic pets. All the animals were confiscated, but the DNR issued no citations after examining four turtles on the scene. Most were mice, but he also had hedgehogs, pythons and an alligator living with him in an abandoned storefront. Last week, a man was discovered with nearly 600 animals in Muncie, several of them without required permits.
Petercheff said confiscations have increased during the past few years.
The misdemeanor charge has the potential of 60 days' imprisonment.
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Depending on the situation, owners can be charged with a Class C infraction or Class C misdemeanor, both of which have a fine of up to $500, plus court costs for the misdemeanor. If the owners don't have permits, the animals are usually removed, although in some cases owners are simply given a warning. Most reports come from neighbors who spot the animals. Petercheff said staff respond weekly to reports of animals being held without permits. For more dangerous animals, applicants must have a home inspection by the DNR and present "recapture" and "destruction" plans in case the animal should escape.īut the state knows many owners don't bother to get a permit. To receive a permit, an owner must pay a $10 application fee. The owners of those animals declined to be interviewed. In Hamilton County, a woman owns an African serval cat. In Marion County, 17 animals have permits, 13 for Class II or III animals, which are considered more dangerous, including a bobcat, coyote and rattlesnake. There are permits for 300 exotic or wild animals in Indiana. No species of animals are banned as pets in Indiana, although some counties may have ordinances against certain types, said Linnea Petercheff, operations specialist with the division of fish and wildlife at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.Įvery year, the DNR signs off on about 25 new wild animal permits. The change was instigated by a 2011 incident in which a man who owned a private collection of exotics released tigers, lions, a baboon and many other animals before killing himself. Ohio had minimal regulations until 2014 when a law requiring permits and home inspections for exotic animals took effect. However, there are no state requirements for other exotics animals such as skunks or minks. In Illinois, it's illegal to own a dangerous animal or primate. But, they also ban many birds and other fairly safe animals, such as prairie dogs and jack rabbits. Indiana's rules are more lenient than most surrounding states.įor example, Kentucky prohibits ownership of nearly all "dangerous wildlife," such as big cats, crocodilians and bears. Permits for most wild and exotic animals are regulated at the state level.
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