No, owning a monkey in New Jersey is prohibited under N.J.A.C. 8:25-1.1, which classifies non-human primates as “exotic animals” requiring a permit. The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enforces this ban, with no permits issued for private ownership. Violations may result in fines up to $5,000 or imprisonment under N.J.S.A. 23:4-23.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in New Jersey
- Statewide Ban: N.J.A.C. 8:25-1.1 explicitly prohibits private possession of non-human primates, including monkeys, without exception.
- DEP Enforcement: The NJDEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife actively monitors compliance, with penalties enforced under N.J.S.A. 23:4-23 for violations.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Newark and Jersey City have additional restrictions, though the state ban supersedes local laws.
Recent legislative shifts, such as the 2026 proposed amendments to N.J.S.A. 23:4-23, aim to strengthen penalties for illegal possession, reflecting growing public health concerns. The NJDEP’s 2024 guidance further clarifies that even temporary custody (e.g., for veterinary care) requires prior approval, which is rarely granted. Exotic pet dealers circumventing the ban face license revocation under N.J.A.C. 7:25-1.5.