MDA receives upwards of several hundred questions a week via our online web address. We've chosen to highlight some of those and their answers here on our website. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send them to us at mda-info@michigan.gov. And now here's the question of the week for December 18, 2006:

17. What Animals/Reptiles, etc. may be legally owned in Michigan, both with and without permits?

1. You recently contacted the Michigan Department of Agriculture regarding regulations pertaining to having an animal in Michigan. I am assuming you are referring to personal ownership.
   
   If an animal is a native animal species in Michigan or an endangered species, you would need a permit with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. You may contact Jim Janson at 517-373-9329 for more information.
   
   In addition, under Act 274, Public Acts of 2000, it is illegal to own any of the following species of animals in the State of Michigan: lion, leopard, jaguar, tiger, cougar, panther, cheetah, or bear. Anyone who was in possession of these animals prior to when the Law went into effect (July 7, 2000) were "grandfathered in." However, they had to obtain a permit to possess the animals as well as come into compliance with a large list of requirements.
   
   In addition, under Act 246, Public Acts of 2000 (Wolf-Dog Cross Act), it illegal to own a "wolf-dog" -- an animal that results from the breeding of a dog and a wolf, a wolf-dog and a wolf, a wolf-dog and a wolfdog, or a wolf-dog and a dog. Anyone who was in possession of these animals prior to when the Law went into effect (June 29, 2000) were also "grandfathered in." However, they too had to obtain a permit to posses the animals as well as come into compliance with specific requirements.
   
   It also illegal (as of 2002) to own a prairie dog in the State of Michigan. Again, people in possession of these animals prior were "grandfathered in."
   
   Many local municipalities also have additional ordinances regarding the ownership of certain animals. Always check with a local municipality before acquiring an animal to make sure that the species and breed is not prohibited under local ordinance. In addition, some municipalities have ordinances requiring the owner to obtain a kennel license if they have more than a certain number of dogs or dogs are being used for business purposes.
   
   (Question answered by MDA's Michele Finateri, DVM)