Section 11-0512. Possession, sale, barter, transfer, exchange and import of wild animals as pets prohibited

1. No person shall knowingly possess, harbor, sell, barter,  transfer,
  exchange  or  import any wild animal for use as a pet in New York state,
  except as provided in subdivision three of this section.
    2. This section shall not apply to the following persons and  entities
  with  respect  to  wild  animals  owned or harbored by them solely for a
  purpose other than for use as a pet:
    a. Zoological facilities licensed pursuant to  7  USC.  Sec.  2131  et
  seq.;
    b.  Exhibitors  licensed  pursuant  to  the Animal Welfare Act, 7 USC.
  Sections 2132-2134 and reptile exhibitors who have demonstrated  to  the
  department,   in   accordance   with   regulations  promulgated  by  the
  commissioner, that the sole purpose for which the wild animal or animals
  are used is for exhibition to the public for profit or compensation;
    c. Research facilities as defined in the Animal Welfare  Act,  7  USC.