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Legal by Ordinance
| Arlington | In the prohibited animal definition where the
family Mustelidae is listed the code contains an exclusion of ferrets.
In other words, ferrets are NOT prohibited. Other provisions
may apply. Copy of the code reviewed is incomplete and covers
only codes for prohibited or exotic animals. Copy of code came
from a library copy and was obtained 1/1998. Library copies
are sometimes out of date. Contact the city secretary for a
complete copy or contact animal control for additional requirements
(possible vaccine or registration).
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| Bedford | Legal status is not clear from a simple
review of code. You must look at original draft or update to the ordinance
dated November, 1992, which has a title or subtitle stating that it
is an ordinance to permit pet ferrets in the city of Bedford. All
they did was drop the word "ferrets" from the list of common
names under the Mustelidae family in the prohibited animals section
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| Denton | Code requires rabies vaccination for
rabies and registration as for a cat or dog for a small fee, slightly
more for whole animals. There is a limit of 3 to the total number
of cats, dogs, and ferrets in a household, but you can apply for special
permit to extend that limit for around $20. Home inspection
may be required for this variance. Code to legalize ferrets
passed in late 2000, check with city secretary or animal control for
exact details.
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| Fort Worth | Code requires rabies vaccination, registration,
and wearing of tag as for a cat or dog. The fee is $7 for neutered
animals and $12 for whole, no limit specified on number of ferrets
owned. Code to legalize ferrets passed July 28, 1998.
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| Garland | Code requires $25 per year per household
permit. The permit requires ferrets to have current rabies
vaccination, wear a collar with owner ID info, be on a leash
when outside the cage or home, and be neutered if over 6 months of
age. There is no limit on number of ferrets owned, one permit
covers all ferrets of the owner. Home inspection by animal control/health
department may be required. In bite cases ferrets are
to be handled as cats and dogs for a 10-day quarantine. Code
to legalize ferrets passed 2/1998.
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| Haltom City | Code defines "pet animal" to include
ferrets. Number of pet animals in a single-family dwelling
is limited to 4 (but only 3 of any one species) or in a multi-family
dwelling (like duplexes or apartments) is limited to 2. Residents
of single-family dwellings may apply to AC for a pet variance to allow
more animals if they are not breeding for a $20 fee, but the application
process is a bit lengthy and requires neighbor signatures to approve.
Variance requires annual renewal at $5 per year. Code dated
8/2000.
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| Highland Village | The code defines "domestic animal"
to specifically include ferrets. Provisions for ferrets include
a requirement that they be housed indoors and in clean and sanitary
conditions. They further require rabies vaccination and city
registration ($5), but unlike cats and dogs, ferrets are NOT required
to WEAR the tag! Ferrets are limited to 4 per household, with a limit
on total number of animals set at 8. Residents may apply for
an "animals in excess" permit ($30) which will require inspection
by animal control, renewable annually. Code dated 5/2000.
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| Hurst | In the prohibited animal definition where the
family Mustelidae is listed the code contains an exclusion of ferrets.
Other applicable codes require vaccination and limit the number of
animals that may be owned to five. Code dated 4/2000.
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| Irving | In the prohibited animal definition where the
family Mustelidae is listed the code contains an exclusion of ferrets.
Animal control has in the past stated that
a permit (prohibited animal permit) was required, $50/year with
$10/year renewal. Code does not support this since the code
specifically states "Ferrets are not prohibited animals."
It would make no sense to obtain a prohibited animal permit for an
animal that is not considered to be prohibited. However,
as recently as 3 or 4 years ago there was no computerization of records,
and when a resident went in to renew the permit she'd been required
to buy they could find no paper record of her. No reasons to fear
this city have been seen, but be aware there may be issues with their
system. Other applicable requirements are rabies vaccination
and limit of 4 animals. Code dated 10/2000.
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| Lake Dallas | The ordinance specifically includes ferrets in
the definition of "prohibited animal". However, the
code allows for a permit to be issued to allow for keeping of a prohibited
animal after home inspection and an annual $25 fee. Code dated
7/2000.
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| Lewisville | In the prohibited animal definition where the
family Mustelidae is listed the code contains an exclusion of ferrets.
It appears Lewisville will adopt out ferrets from their shelter as
the code states that "animal control may not release a ... ferret
for adoption unless the animal has previously been sterilized, or
the release is made to a new owner who signs an adoption receipt and
sterilization agreement." There is a limit of six animals per
residence. Rabies vaccination, registration and wearing of tag
are required. Code dated 8/2000.
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| North Richland Hills | Code allows for ferrets under extensive
conditions so restrictive it may be difficult to follow. It
defines "pet animal" to specifically exclude ferrets.
It appears this is because they mistakenly fail to recognize that
ferrets may be vaccinated for rabies. In the Article covering
wild, exotic, and dangerous animals "restricted animal"
is defined to include ferrets and requires a permit to possess.
Permit requirements include a health certificate, owner contact info,
vet contact info, liability insurance in the amount of $100,000 to
cover damages or attacks by the animal, and proof of attendance of
a city approved course on care and maintenance of the animal in question.
Further requirements include a home inspection by animal control that
shows housing inside the residence with animal sleeping quarters separate
(or a far longer list of requirements for outdoor housing) and
continuous access to water and diet approved by a vet. Code
specifies permitted animals that bite or scratch will be euthanized.
It allows for a "live test" approved by Texas Dept. of Health,
but it is unclear if that would extend to the quarantine specified
for ferrets by TDH. Permit fee is $50 per year.
Code dated 6/1996. Residents should consider starting
a campaign to update the codes using Highland Village as a guide.
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| Plano | Code defines ferret as domestic Mustela putorius
furo and the prohibited animal definition where the family Mustelidae
is listed contains an exclusion of ferrets. Rabies vaccination,
registration permit, and tag wearing are required. Ferrets
must be neutered. Code reflects outdated TDH rules by requiring
30-day quarantine of biting ferrets (TDH currently requires only 10
days as for cats and dogs) and allow the bite victim to submit a request
in writing to euthanize the ferret rather than accepting quarantine!
Take extreme care not to let others handle your ferret. Code
dated 11/2000.
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| Sherman | Code defines "ferret" as a
domestic mustela putorius furo of either sex, including one neutered
or sterilized. Definition of "pet animal" specifically
includes ferrets. Vaccination is required and the city even
offers vaccination services. Wearing of tag is required.
Code dated 10/2000.
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| Waco | In the prohibited animal definition where the
family Mustelidae is listed the code contains an exclusion of ferrets.
There is a requirement to mark all animals in some manner from which
ferrets are exempt. Code dated 9/2000.
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