Taking custody of captive wild animals

Wis. Stat. § 169.42
in effect
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(1) Intake of wild animals. A conservation warden may take into custody a wild animal that is subject to regulation under this chapter on behalf of the department if the conservation warden has reasonable grounds to believe that the wild animal is one of the following: (a) An abandoned or stray captive wild animal. (b) An unwanted captive wild animal delivered to the conservation warden. (c) A wild animal possessed, taken, introduced, stocked, released, exhibited, propagated, rehabilitated, hunted, sold, or purchased in violation of this chapter, any rule promulgated under this chapter, or any ordinance enacted under s. 169.43. (d) A captive wild animal that is not confined as required by a quarantine under s. 93.07 (10) or any rule or ordinance relating to the control of any animal disease. (e) A captive wild animal that has caused damage to persons or property. (f) A participant in an animal fight intentionally instigated by any person. (g) A captive wild animal that has been mistreated in violation of this chapter, any rule promulgated under this chapter, or ch. 951. (h) A captive wild animal delivered by a veterinarian under s. 173.13 (2). (i) A captive wild animal that is dead, dying, or sick and that has been exposed to, or is known to be infected with, a contagious or infectious disease as defined in the rules promulgated by the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection under s. 95.001 (2) or with a disease or parasite that has pathological significance to humans or to any animals. (j) A captive wild animal that has escaped and has not been returned to its owner or another person who is authorized to possess the animal. (k) A wild animal that is being housed or held in violation of s. 169.39. (2) Transfer of wild animals. (a) A conservation warden shall accept into custody any wild animal that is delivered by a law enforcement officer or humane officer. (b) A conservation warden and the department shall comply with the applicable procedures under ss. 29.931, 29.934, and 968.20 as they relate to seized and confiscated wild animals, carcasses, vehicles, boats, or other objects or property.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/169.42Fetched: 10/7/2026