California's Department of Fish and Game has deemed hedgehogs illegal for the entire state of California. I find this law unnecessary as it is legal to own a hedgehog as a pet in many states.  Section 671, Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) was established to restrict the possession of thousands of different species of animals for one or more of the following reasons: (1) because their numbers are threatened or endangered in the wild, (2) because they pose a threat to our native fish and wildlife, agriculture or public health and safety. I believe this law is unjust, as owning a hedgehog as a household pet wouldn't pose a danger or threat. If a hedgehog was properly housed and taken care of in a closed off environment, there would be no harm. Hedgehogs are relatively quiet animals, so you wouldn't need to worry about them being a nuisance to society. Hedgehogs also don't require walks like dogs do, simply running around on a wheel would meet their exercise expectations. Hedgehogs are small animals that do not require a large amount of room, besides room to roam around for about an hour or more a day; they make great companions for apartment dwellers. Hedgehogs also do not carry around as much body odor as other animals do, so being 'smelly' wouldn't be an issue with this breed of animal either. The quills on a hedgehog can poke if the pet is handled roughly, but are overall are painless. As regards to Section 671, Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations, having a hedgehog as a PET will not endanger society or pose a threat to wildlife, agriculture or public health and safety as they will mostly be handled and housed indoors. I believe hedgehogs can be great pets for residents of California who are willing to responsibly take care of them and their health needs, and provide the expenses that are required to take care of these exotic pets.

*Please sign this if you too would responsibly love to take care and own a hedgehog in the state of California*