Bengal cats are legal in practically all states of the US. In New York State they are regulated to allow F5 bengals. Which means the bengal cat is at least five generations separated from it wild ancestor the Asian leopard cat. However in New York City they are banned indefinitely.  I would like to extend the same F5 regulation to New York City. The bengal cat is a domesticated cat much like the average house cat. The ban on wild cats and all hybrids all began many years ago when a man kept a tiger in his nyc apartment. Then the law was made to ban all wild cats such as lions, tigers etc. in response to the man who kept a tiger for 3 years in his nyc apartment and thus consequently even extended it to hybrids. However this law is not even strictly enforced and there are thousands of bengal cat pet owners all across New York City as well as pet shops that sell them . This law is clearly outdated and should be adjusted to fit our current atmosphere. There have been no reported incidents across the states that allow bengals nor any the city of New York. Bengal cats are in no way anymore harmless than your average house cat. I believe our city’s health code should be updated to reflect the F5 bengal as a domesticated house cat and lift the ban on bengal cats.

This is a highly popular breed praised for its intelligence as well as playful and affectionate demeanor. Many bengals can even play fetch! They are highly sought and loved amongst pet owners. Please sign the petition so we can changed this outdated law.