Exotic Animal Amnesty Day Is Coming

Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP)
Do you love animals but a dog or cat isn't cool enough for you? Do you own an exotic animal that you know you shouldn't, but don't know what to do with it without getting into trouble?

The DEEP is now planning its next Amnesty Day for Prohibited Exotic Pets. On Wednesday, March 21, at 11:30 a.m. Members of the DEEP Wildlife Division and Environmental Conservation Police will bring prohibited animals, including an anaconda, python, monitor lizard, baby gibbon and adult and baby alligators with them as DEEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Franchette announces the details of the Amnesty Day at Dinosaur State Park, 400 West St., Rocky Hill.

The DEEP and the Beardsley Zoo will co-sponsor an Amnesty Day for prohibited exotic pets at the Beardsley Zoo on Saturday March 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

During the Amnesty Day, anyone in possession of exotic animals that are now illegal to possess will be able to surrender them without facing any legal penalties.

Animals now prohibited under the new regulations include alligators, venomous snakes, serval cats, and wolves.

For a complete list of animals illegal to possess in CT, go to: www.ct.gov/deep/prohibitedanimals

A reader suggested that interested parties try using the PetWatch program and website (www.PetWatch.net) a first-of-its-kind mobile-friendly website aimed to help consumers make informed decisions about popular exotic pets.