Alaska, like many states, regulates what types of animals may be kept as pets. Regulations also address whether certain animals can be released into the wild. For instance, in some cases, certain animals can be kept as pets if they’re not released into the wild. But on a temporary basis, certain species can be released to hunt or to train a falcon. A man in another state was recently arrested for allegedly smuggling Burmese pythons across the U.S. border.
In Alaska, it is illegal to own a monkey, a bear, a wolf or other live game animal. However, a person might obtain a permit to own a llama or reindeer or dromedary. The man who was arrested after crossing into the United States from Canada allegedly had three Burmese pythons stuffed inside his pants.
Violating pet ownership laws can have steep penalties
If a person is convicted of having a prohibited pet in Alaska, penalties can include fines and even jail time. It is always a good idea to gain an understanding of state laws before bringing an exotic pet into one’s home. This is true even if the person in question has simply agreed to care for a pet that belongs to someone.
Legal support is available for Alaska residents facing these charges
Facing criminal charges can be a frightening and stressful experience. It may be less so, however, if the person who stands accused seeks legal support as soon as possible. An experienced Alaska attorney can provide guidance and recommendations throughout the adjudication process and can ensure that an accused individual focuses on achieving a positive outcome.
