Legality of pet skunks in Virginia
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The legality of pet skunks in Virginia refers to the legal status of domestic animals of the mephitis family in Virginia. Pet skunks are currently illegal under a provision in the Virginia Administrative Code. 4VAC15-30-10 prohibits possession of wild animals, while 4VAC15-20-50 gives a list of domestic animals such as cats, dogs, llamas, etc. that are excluded from the definition of "wild animal." However, skunks are not on the list.
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries could amend the Virginia Administrative Code to allow domestic skunk ownership. Legalization of domestic skunks could be accomplished by adding "Domestic skunk (Mephitis mephitis)" to the list of domestic animals in 4VAC15-20-50. However, the Department has been reluctant to do so, due to rabies concerns.
On January 24, 2005, Delegate Harry J. Parrish wrote a letter to a constituent on the matter of a requested bill to legalize pet skunks, stating:
- Dear Mr. Larson:
- Thank you for your email requesting that I introduce legislation legalizing the ownership of domestic skunks in Virginia.
- Your email was very informative and interesting. My Legislative Assistant's sister had one some forty years ago before I presume it was illegal to deskunk and domesticate wild skunks. She can attest to all your assertions about the appropriateness of skunks to serve as pets.
- I also received a very interesting letter, with accompanying pictures, from SkunkHaven in Ohio. I assume you suggested they contact me. I also appreciate receiving this material. The various colors of domestic skunks are beautiful.
- Your email arrived after the December 10 deadline for prefiled legislation. In addition, much legislative research would have to be done before such a bill could be drawn up and introduced. First and foremost, one would have to seek the agreement of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association. Without their support, the legislation would be doomed. You would also need a number of supporters around the state who would be willing to come testify on the merits of the bill and to write letters to their legislators. And finally, the bill should be introduced by an individual who serves on the House Agriculture, Conservation and National Resources Committee or the Senate Agriculture Committee which would evaluate the proposed legislation. I no longer serve on that House Committee.
- Your idea is intriguing, and I have no idea how it would fare in the legislature. My first thought is that it might take more than one session for legislators to become accustomed to classifying skunks as pets.
- Sincerely,
- Harry J. Parrish
- 50th House District
