No, owning a pet fox in Arkansas is prohibited under the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission’s 2023 regulations, which classify all fox species as “wild animals.” Exceptions exist only for licensed wildlife rehabilitators or educational facilities, with no pathway for private ownership. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission enforces these restrictions to mitigate disease transmission risks and ecological disruption, aligning with broader 2026 federal wildlife trafficking prevention initiatives.
Key Regulations for Owning a Pet Fox in Arkansas
- Prohibition by Statute: Arkansas Code § 18-11-306 explicitly bans private possession of foxes, categorizing them as “restricted species” under the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission’s authority.
- Permit Exceptions: Only entities with active wildlife rehabilitation permits (issued by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission) may temporarily house foxes for medical care, and even then, permanent ownership is forbidden.
- Enforcement Mechanisms: Violations trigger civil penalties up to $1,000 per offense, with confiscation of the animal and potential misdemeanor charges under § 5-62-105 of the Arkansas Criminal Code. Local animal control agencies collaborate with state wildlife officials to conduct compliance checks.