Petition to Legalize Raccoon Ownership Permits in Kansas


Petition to Legalize Raccoon Ownership Permits in Kansas
The Issue
Help us hit 5000 signatures!
We are not talking about wild raccoons.
Raccoons are legal to own in 19 states and more than likely will be legal in 25 by the end of the year. These are not wild raccoons but raccoons from a USDA breeder. KS does not allow this even though NE, OK, TX, MO all allow it. Almost every state around us. Why would we want to do this. I have 3 years experience with these guys. They are almost as smart as a monkey and make great companions for the the right person.
Should this be for everyone, no. That doesn't mean it should be illegal. You should be educated and prepared to own one. They need to be vaccinated, fixed and their own room with things that stimulate them. They require a lot of thought and attention. The misnomer is they are violent. Well, they need to be fixed at an early age. No different then a dog or cat.
The next thing that comes up is that they have diseases, worms and a Rabies Vector Species. All that is a moot point as they are bred by a national USDA breeder and this is not an issue. But for the record the CDC has 1 recorded case of any one every getting rabies from a raccoon. In fact KS over the last couple of years has no cases of a raccoon having rabies. Skunks are the biggest issue here. All other things like distemper and Parvo, round worms etc are all treated like your dog or cat.
Every animal started out as a wild pet, Raccoons being bred and have been for some time in legal states means that they aren't wild and a permit should be allowed. The disclaimer here is no one should ever own a WILD raccoon.
Please continue to read below and support us!! Thank you...Stephen
To: Kansas State Legislator Leadership
We, the undersigned, respectfully request the legalization of raccoon ownership permits in Kansas.
Why This Matters:
Kansas currently prohibits the ownership of USDA bred raccoons as pets, despite many other states allowing them with proper permits. Raccoons are highly intelligent (near as smart as a monkey) and can form strong bonds with their caregivers when raised responsibly. By implementing a structured permit system, the state can ensure responsible ownership while allowing raccoon enthusiasts the opportunity legally care for them.
Our Proposal:
We urge the State Legislators to establish a raccoon ownership permit system that includes:
- Permit Application Process – Ensuring only responsible individuals with proper knowledge and resources can own a raccoon.
- Vaccination & Health Requirements – Requiring rabies and other necessary vaccinations.
- Humane Housing Standards – Setting guidelines for enclosure size, enrichment, and care.
- Prohibition of Wild-Caught Raccoons – Allowing only legally bred and domestically raised raccoons to be owned.
Why This Works:
Other states, such as Florida and Indiana, have successfully implemented similar regulations, ensuring both public safety and animal welfare. By allowing a regulated permit system, Kansas can provide an ethical solution that prevents illegal ownership while still prioritizing wildlife conservation.
We urge Kansas officials to consider this proposal and allow responsible individuals the right to obtain raccoon ownership permits.
Sign below to support the legalization of raccoon ownership permits in Kansas!
248
The Issue
Help us hit 5000 signatures!
We are not talking about wild raccoons.
Raccoons are legal to own in 19 states and more than likely will be legal in 25 by the end of the year. These are not wild raccoons but raccoons from a USDA breeder. KS does not allow this even though NE, OK, TX, MO all allow it. Almost every state around us. Why would we want to do this. I have 3 years experience with these guys. They are almost as smart as a monkey and make great companions for the the right person.
Should this be for everyone, no. That doesn't mean it should be illegal. You should be educated and prepared to own one. They need to be vaccinated, fixed and their own room with things that stimulate them. They require a lot of thought and attention. The misnomer is they are violent. Well, they need to be fixed at an early age. No different then a dog or cat.
The next thing that comes up is that they have diseases, worms and a Rabies Vector Species. All that is a moot point as they are bred by a national USDA breeder and this is not an issue. But for the record the CDC has 1 recorded case of any one every getting rabies from a raccoon. In fact KS over the last couple of years has no cases of a raccoon having rabies. Skunks are the biggest issue here. All other things like distemper and Parvo, round worms etc are all treated like your dog or cat.
Every animal started out as a wild pet, Raccoons being bred and have been for some time in legal states means that they aren't wild and a permit should be allowed. The disclaimer here is no one should ever own a WILD raccoon.
Please continue to read below and support us!! Thank you...Stephen
To: Kansas State Legislator Leadership
We, the undersigned, respectfully request the legalization of raccoon ownership permits in Kansas.
Why This Matters:
Kansas currently prohibits the ownership of USDA bred raccoons as pets, despite many other states allowing them with proper permits. Raccoons are highly intelligent (near as smart as a monkey) and can form strong bonds with their caregivers when raised responsibly. By implementing a structured permit system, the state can ensure responsible ownership while allowing raccoon enthusiasts the opportunity legally care for them.
Our Proposal:
We urge the State Legislators to establish a raccoon ownership permit system that includes:
- Permit Application Process – Ensuring only responsible individuals with proper knowledge and resources can own a raccoon.
- Vaccination & Health Requirements – Requiring rabies and other necessary vaccinations.
- Humane Housing Standards – Setting guidelines for enclosure size, enrichment, and care.
- Prohibition of Wild-Caught Raccoons – Allowing only legally bred and domestically raised raccoons to be owned.
Why This Works:
Other states, such as Florida and Indiana, have successfully implemented similar regulations, ensuring both public safety and animal welfare. By allowing a regulated permit system, Kansas can provide an ethical solution that prevents illegal ownership while still prioritizing wildlife conservation.
We urge Kansas officials to consider this proposal and allow responsible individuals the right to obtain raccoon ownership permits.
Sign below to support the legalization of raccoon ownership permits in Kansas!
248
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on February 6, 2025