Pennsylvania Code
Title 58 - RECREATION
Part III - GAME COMMISSION
Chapter 147 - SPECIAL PERMITS
Subchapter M - EXOTIC WILDLIFE DEALER
Section 147.244 - Housing

Universal Citation: 58 PA Code ยง 147.244

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024

(a) Specifications. Minimum pen specifications and caging requirements for captive exotic wildlife are as follows:

(1) A cage or enclosure shall be covered at the top to prevent escape.

(2) A cage or enclosure shall be provided with bedding required for the animal's comfort and to protect them from inclement weather. A suitable shield for protection against the hot rays of the sun shall be provided on outside enclosures. If the natural climate of wildlife held differs from the climate of the area where the dealer's facility is located, provisions shall be made to adjust holding conditions to natural habitat.

(3) A cage shall have a secure locking device and shall be key locked or padlocked.

(b) Permanent housing. The following are required when exotic wildlife is held more than 10 days:

(1) Bears.
(i) Number or size. Single animal.

(ii) Cage size. 25'L by 12'W by 12'H. For a pair, the cage shall be 30'L by 15'W by 12'H.

(iii) Accessories. A pool 6'W by 10'L by 4' deep is mandatory for polar bears. Either the large pool or a freshwater drinking pool 2'W by 2'L by 18" deep with facilities for spraying or wetting the animals during hot weather periods is required for other bears.

(2) Lions and tigers.
(i) Number or size. Single animal.

(ii) Cage size. 15'L by 10'W by 8'H. For a pair, the cage shall be 20'L by 10'W by 8'H.

(iii) Accessories. At least two claw logs, one shelf 30"W, 10'L at one end and 40"H off the floor level.

(3) Leopards, jaguars and cougars.
(i) Number or size. Single animal.

(ii) Cage size. 10'L by 8'W by 8'H. For a pair, the cage shall be 15'L by 8'W by 8'H.

(iii) Accessories. At least two claw logs and one shelf 24"W, 8'L and 40"H off the floor level.

(4) Cheetahs.
(i) Number or size. Up to three animals.

(ii) Cage size. 40'L by 20'W by 8'H.

(iii) Accessories. A shelf 30"W by 6'L and 36" off the floor level is required for a single animal. For one pair, lengthen the shelf to 10 feet.

(5) Lesser cats. Bobcats, lynx, serval, caracal, ocelots and the like.
(i) Number or size. Single animal.

(ii) Cage size. 8'L by 4'W by 6'H. For each additional animal, increase cage length 2 feet.

(iii) Accessories. At least two claw logs and a shelf 14"W by 4'L and 36" off the floor level are required. A den or retreat area is also required.

(6) Geoffroy's cats, leopard cats, margay and other wild cats up to 10 pounds adult weight.
(i) Number or size. Single animal.

(ii) Cage size. 4'L by 4'W by 6'H. For each additional animal, increase cage length by 1 foot.

(iii) Accessories. At least two claw logs and one shelf 6"W by 3'L and 36" off the floor level are required. A den or retreat area is also required.

(7) Foxes, jackals and the like.
(i) Number or size. One pair.

(ii) Cage size. 8'L by 4'W by 6'H.

(iii) Accessories. One shelf 18"W by 4'L and 36" off the floor level is required in addition to a den or retreat area.

(8) Coyotes, cape hunting dogs, dingos and the like.
(i) Number or size. Single animal.

(ii) Cage size. 10'L by 8'W by 6'H. For each additional animal, increase cage length by 10 feet.

(iii) Accessories. A secluded den area that is 4'W by 4'L for a single animal is required. Add 3 feet in length for each additional animal.

(9) Wolves, hyenas.
(i) Number or size. Single animal.

(ii) Cage size. 15'L by 8'W by 6'H. For a pair, double the cage length. For each additional animal after two, add 10 feet to the cage length.

(iii) Accessories. A secluded den area 4'W by 4'L is required for a single animal. Add 3 feet in length for each additional animal.

(c) Temporary housing. Required when exotic wildlife is held 10 days or less.

(1) Number or size. Single animal.

(2) Cage size. Cage length shall be at least double the animal's body length, excluding tail. Cage width shall equal or exceed body length. Cage height shall extend at least 2 feet above the standing animal's head to ensure proper ventilation. For two or more animals kept together, add 1/3 more cage length for each additional animal.

(3) Accessories. The cage shall be constructed of steel or case-hardened aluminum. The cage shall have a secure locking device and shall be key locked or padlocked. The cage shall be well ventilated.

(d) Traveling cage. A traveling cage shall be used only in the actual transportation of exotic wildlife.

(1) Number or size. Single animal.

(2) Cage size. The size of traveling cages for wildlife in transit shall be as follows: the animal shall be able to turn around and stand up on all fours with head clearance.

(3) Accessories. The cage shall be constructed of steel or case-hardened aluminum with one solid side or portable divider panel so that no animal can harm another. A steel floor with wood surface suitable for drainage of urine is necessary. A cage shall have a secure locking device and shall be key locked or padlocked. The cage shall be well ventilated. A cage exposed directly to the public shall be constructed of steel or alloy bars no more than 1 1/2 inches apart.

(4) Ventilation. Exotic wildlife shall travel in air conditioned or well ventilated vehicles that may be adjusted to weather conditions. Animals shall be provided fresh water while in transit twice in 24 hours and be fed at least once every 24 hours.

The provisions of this §147.244 issued under the act of June 3, 1937 (P. L. 1225, No. 316) (34 P. S. §§ 1311.101-1311.1502) (Repealed); and Game and Wildlife Code, 34 Pa.C.S. §§ 101-2965.

This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 147.262 (relating to restrictions).

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