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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 23, 2013 02:11 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jeffrey P. Pyle |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Exemption of "pocket pets" as exotic animals |
| In the near future, I will introduce legislation to legalize the ownership or possession of certain “pocket pets” commonly known as sugar gliders, hedgehogs and moon rats. These small, gentle creatures make excellent pets and are legal to own in most states. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is one of only a few states where these pets are not legal to own. Attempts to ban ownership of these animals are misplaced attempts to prevent perceived problems such as encroachment on the natural habitat of PA’s indigenous wildlife. Currently, their ownership is unlawful under regulation of the Pennsylvania Game Commission . This legislation would exempt these common pets from the definition of “exotic animal” in statute and specify that they may be lawfully owned or possessed as pets with no permit required. Thank you in advance for your consideration. |