§ 50-11-2640 — Importing foxes and coyotes.

(A) It is unlawful to bring, import, or cause to have imported a live coyote or fox into this State, except those brought into the State and kept in captivity by permit from the department for exhibition purposes. It is unlawful to release a coyote in this State except as authorized by this title. (B) A person who violates a provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year. A conviction for a second offense occurring within five years of a first offense conviction is punishable by a fine of five thousand dollars or imprisonment for two years. For a second offense conviction within five years of the date of a first conviction, the enclosure and associated property is ineligible permanently for an enclosure permit. (C) A commercial fur license held by a person convicted of a second offense within five years of a first conviction must be suspended for five years. (D) Each animal taken or possessed in violation of this section constitutes a separate offense.

Legislative History

HISTORY: 2003 Act No. 23, SECTION 1; 2012 Act No. 257, SECTION 10, eff June 18, 2012. Effect of Amendment The 2012 amendment added subsection (D).