Does anyone know the exotic cat laws in Texas is?

I'm thinking about making a future purchase of a Lynx which isn't very big (about 30 lbs) however it's similar to a bobcat and still concidered an exotic cats along with tigers, lions, panthers etc. which are much larger and dangerous. I was just wondering if anyone knew for sure the licenses needed to aquire one because I've read several things over the internet and they all varied...

Does anyone know the exotic cat laws in Texas is?
Hi Justin...You will need to contact your state wildlife agency for state requirements. Also check your county government for information on licensing and zoning. And if you are within city limits, you may need city agency licensing also. On a federal level you will need a U.S.D.A. license issued through APHIS (Animal and Plant Heath Inspection Service). They will have an inspector come out and see your enclosure prior to approval. Through them you will need to keep records of diet, vet care, and have annual inspections (also subject to "drop" inspections throughout the year) prior to renewal. They also require that your vet make at least biannual visits. The other regulating agency is U.S.D.I. (U.S. Dept. of Interior). They require licensing on endangered species only.





For more about owning exotic cats:


http://www.wildaboutcats.org/require.htm
Reply:Thousands of exotic animals are bred across the United States, in people's backyards, at roadside zoos, and others are surplus animals from zoos. Obtaining an exotic animal is easy. Hundreds of Internet sites offer to sell, give care advice, and provide chat rooms where buyers and sellers can haggle over a price.





The following is a summary of state laws relating to the breeding of wild and/or exotic animals. On the federal level, all persons breeding these animals are required to obtain a breeder's license pursuant to the federal Animal Welfare Act. Note: This summary lists all laws relating to breeding in the individual states and is a complete list of animals covered under the laws, unless otherwise noted. If you have any questions please contact legislation@api4animals.org at API at 916-447-3085.








I guess that part would be the technical answer to your question. I would think long and hard about taking an "exotic" species into the home. Lynx are wild animals.. they haven't been domesticated like dogs and cats over centuries.. Why not adopt a cat that NEEDS a home instead of insisting on getting attention from having a "rare" or "exotic" breed. Let the wild animals be wild.
Reply:Some restrictions are city and county specific. Call your animal control department for a definitive answer.





And don't purchase a wild cat, even if it is legal. It's horribly unethical and cruel. It's a wild animal. Leave it that way.
Reply:My friend in Texas owns a Lynx kitten. It's not 30 lbs. though! I'm not sure about the laws, but I don't think that she had to get a license or anything.

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