Section 169.02. Title to wild animals.

 

(1)   Title vested in owner. Except as provided in sub. (3) , legal title to a live captive wild animal or the carcass of a captive wild animal is vested in the person who owns the wild animal if the person is in compliance with this chapter and the rules promulgated under this chapter. A person holding legal title may transfer without consideration the live captive wild animal or the carcass of the captive wild animal to a person who is in compliance with this chapter and the rules promulgated under this chapter. A person holding legal title to a live captive wild animal may kill it, or have it killed, in a humane manner.

(2)   Title with state. The department may assume on behalf of the state, or may sell or otherwise transfer to another person, legal title to any live captive wild animal, or the carcass of any captive wild animal, that is possessed by any person in violation of this chapter or the rules promulgated under this chapter.

(3)   Exceptions. Legal title to a live captive wild animal or the carcass of a captive wild animal that is possessed as authorized under a rehabilitation license or a scientific research license remains with the state. A person holding a rehabilitation license or a scientific research license may transfer or dispose of a live captive wild animal or the carcass of a captive wild animal only as specifically authorized by the department.

2001 a. 56 .