Is it legal to have a hawk, or other bird of prey, as a pet in Los Angeles. How difficult are they to take care of?
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M$2 Answers
Now as for your question... i looked all over LA's official website and all i could find on any type of exotic/wild animal as a pet was this:
http://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrecord&cfnumber=98-1105
the only animal they say are restricted are rear fanged and venomous snakes, they dont mention birds of prey at all. All they say is when notified by the Dept of Animal Regulation, you will have 30 days after the date of notification to submit a completed application form and permit fee. Also they state that the definition of "wild animals and reptiles" includes any wild, exotic, dangerous or non-domestic animal or reptile. It does not include such pets as rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits or amphibians. So i think you're good to own a hawk or owl.
But then i found this..hawks are raptors and are protected by state and federal laws. It is illegal to own any bird of prey in the USA. You may, however, become a licensed rehabilitator, and this will enable you to take in sick and injured birds, nurse them back to health, and then release them to the sky. To find out how to get involved in this, call your local Fish and Game department or check this link:
http://www.theraptortrust.org/
www.americanfalconry.com
but from what i've herd it takes years for you to get a falconers license
http://www.theraptortrust.org/
http://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrecord...
www.americanfalconry.com
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M$
http://factoidz.com/how-to-become-a-falconer/
http://www.falconryacademy.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=31
This last one is eight steps to becoming a falconer in California precisely.
http://www.calhawkingclub.org/app_steps.htm
So it is legal, but only after taking several tests, obtaining several licenses, and obtaining just the right equipment.
As for do they make good pets.. I knew a guy once who had a king raven (which is a really big Alaskan raven basically) and it was a really cool pet but not one I would say just anyone could care for. It like other bird of prey required lots of meat and preferred it live..it killed a few of his cats. The guys whole life was devoted to the bird, well that and about 5 wolves lol and from what I can tell it was indeed a time intensive pet. I'd say if unless you were very, very interested in keeping a hawk or wanting to get into falconry the sport.... it's not a good pet choice.
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