Authority: IC 14-22-26

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 2. (a) This section governs the first permit under this rule to possess a particular wild animal.

(b) A person who wishes to possess a wild animal, described as Class I or Class II in this rule, must apply for a permit under this rule within five (5) days of taking possession of the animal that was lawfully acquired and in accordance with this rule.

(c) A person who wishes to possess a wild animal, described as Class III in this rule must obtain a permit under this rule before the person takes possession of the animal and in accordance with this rule. In addition to any procedural requirements, a notice under this subsection must also describe the following:

1. (1) The species of the wild animal.
2. (2) Where the animal will be possessed.

(d) Within forty-five (45) days after the issuance of a permit, the permit holder must submit written verification from a licensed veterinarian that the animal appears to be:

1. (1) free of disease; and
2. (2) in good health;

to the division of fish and wildlife.

(e) An application for a Class III wild animal must present a plan for the quick and safe recapture of the wild animal if the animal escapes or, if recapture is impracticable, for the destruction of the animal. After notification by the department of an intention to issue a permit, but before the permit is issued, the applicant must obtain the equipment needed to carry out the recapture and destruction plan. The nature and extent of the recapture plan and the equipment needed are dependent on the danger the escaped animal poses to:

1. (1) persons;
2. (2) domestic animals;
3. (3) livestock; and
4. (4) other wildlife;

in the vicinity of the escape.

(f) A permit holder who possesses a Class III wild animal must notify the department immediately after the discovery of any escape of the animal from the perimeter fence.

(g) A permit application must be:

1. (1) completed on a department form; and
2. (2) accompanied by a fee in the amount of ten dollars ($10).

(h) A conservation officer shall inspect the:

1. (1) cages or enclosures;
2. (2) wild animal (if already in possession); and
3. (3) documentation of legal acquisition (if the wild animal is already in possession);

after the application is received and prior to the issuance of a permit.

(i) An applicant must provide documentation that the wild animal was lawfully acquired. A receipted invoice, bill of lading, or other evidence approved by the director shall accompany the application to establish compliance with this subsection.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-11-2; filed May 12, 1997, 10:00 a.m.: 20 IR 2738; filed Feb 7, 2000, 3:31 p.m.: 23 IR 1366; readopted filed Jul 28, 2003, 12:00 p.m.: 27 IR 286; filed Sep 23, 2004, 3:00 p.m.: 28 IR 555; readopted filed Nov 24, 2008, 11:08 a.m.: 20081210-IR-312080672RFA; filed Jul 6, 2010, 1:55 p.m.: 20100804-IR-312090616FRA; filed Feb 28, 2014, 8:01 a.m.: 20140326-IR-312130024FRA; readopted filed May 20, 2014, 9:43 a.m.: 20140618-IR-312140017RFA; filed Jun 21, 2018, 1:45 p.m.: 20180718-IR-312170436FRA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)