When people talk about their pets, they usually refer to dogs and cats. Some people prefer exotic animals as pets, like snakes, bats, ferrets, and monkeys. Many exotic animals are illegal as pets in Texas. Before you purchase an exotic animal as a pet, it is best to check state and local laws to ensure you can legally have the animal in your home.
Five of the most popular animals people keep as pets in Texas include:
Diamondback Terrapin
Diamondback terrapins are aquatic turtles. No two terrapins are exactly the same in pattern and color. Because of their beautiful, unique markings and low maintenance, many people like them as pets. However, the truth is that these turtles can live a long life, may spread disease, and require specialized care. When that happens, people may just put them out.
Texas law prohibits the ownership of diamondback terrapins. However, with the required permits, exceptions are made for scientific, educational, and zoological purposes.
Tigers
Tigers are highly sought exotic animals. However, these beautiful big cats are not domesticated house cats. They are wild animals that require specialized care and housing. A tiger may appear docile but can turn on an owner without notice.
People could once own tigers in Texas if they had the proper documentation. However, the Big Cat Public Safety Act has made keeping a tiger as a pet illegal in the United States. The Act also made keeping leopards, cheetahs, lions, and cougars as pets illegal.
Raccoons
Raccoons are portrayed on television and in movies as fun-loving, mischievous rascals. Their unique markings and “personality” make them popular as an exotic pet. However, Texas prohibits someone from owning fur-bearing animals without a special permit. It is also illegal to own similar animals, including skunks, muskrats, otters, foxes, opossums, and beavers.
Wolves
Just as people see tigers as big house cats, they view wolves as domesticated dogs. However, wolves are not domesticated animals. They can be destructive and unpredictable, which makes them dangerous.
Texas law makes it illegal to own wolves but makes an exception for wolf hybrids like wolfdogs. However, specific counties may enact laws making it illegal to own wolf hybrids within the county.
Bobcats
Some people view bobcats as easier to control than tigers and larger exotic felines. However, bobcats are included in the list of dangerous wild animals that are illegal to own in Texas without a Certificate of Registration. Other dangerous wild animals you cannot own without a Certificate of Registration include ocelots, chimpanzees, coyotes, orangutans, and bears.
Wild and Exotic Pets Can Cause Severe Injuries
All pets can pose a threat to humans. However, wild and exotic animals have a higher risk of attacking someone because they are not domesticated pets. Attacks by exotic and wild pets can cause catastrophic injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain damage
- Paralysis and spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Organ failure
- Neck and back injuries
- Severe scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of limbs and amputations
- Nerve damage
If you are bitten or attacked by an animal, seek immediate medical treatment. Injuries caused by animals can result in permanent and life-altering impairments and disfigurement. Infections and other complications can be life-threatening.
Can an Owner Be Held Liable for Damages Caused by a Pet?
It is easy to imagine a person being sued because a tiger or wolf attacked someone and injured them. However, anyone who owns a pet has a certain duty of care to restrain their animal so that it does not cause harm.
If a pet owner is negligent or breaks the law, they could be sued for damages if their pet injures someone. Victims can sue for economic and non-economic damages, including:
- The cost of medical treatment
- Loss of income and earning capacity
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Diminished quality of life and loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Impairments and disfigurements
- Rehabilitative care
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Out-of-pocket expenses
If you’ve been injured by someone’s pet, your time to file a claim is limited by the Texas statute of limitations. A Dallas personal injury lawyer will be able to help you file a claim seeking compensation for your injuries, mental trauma, and financial losses.
Contact Our Personal Injury And Car Accident Law Firm In Dallas, TX
If you’ve been injured in Dallas, and need help, contact our Dallas personal Injury and car accident lawyers at Bush Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers LLC to schedule a free consultation.
Bush Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers LLC
(214) 615-6394