Based on my research, here is part of the statute:
M. "Exotic animal" means any species of animal that is both: (1) not a domestic animal, and (2) capable of killing or seriously injuring a human being. Subject to the preceding sentence, the definition of "exotic animal" contained in this section includes but is not limited to:
1. All animals of the order Primates (as primates) except humans;
2. All animals of the family Canidae (as dogs, wolves, jackals, or foxes) and their hybrid, except for the domestic dog Canis familiaris;
3. All animals of the family Felidae (as lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, cougars, or cheetahs) and their hybrid, except for the domestic cat Felis cats;
#3 is the pertinent one. Hybridlaw.com states this: "All generations of hybrids are illegal in Seattle, WI."
As with most laws, you can interpret things many ways. An F4 generation bengal is considered a "domestic cat." However, a bengal cat is also a hybrid. How do they interpret the law???
Here is additional information pertaining to Savannahs in King County (where Seattle is located): "In addition, from Tim Anderson of the King County Animal Control specifically addresses Savannah ownership:
While some federal and state agencies consider a Savannah to be a hybrid, obviously no agency considered it to be wild. Under King County Code 11.28.020 (C) (4) only nondomesticated species of felines would be considered an exotic animal. Unlike canines it does not refer to hybrid felines."
It appears hybrid cats are allowed in King County.
I would definitely contact Seattle Bengals and ask them. They would definitely know.
There is ONE key thing I must mention here. You HAVE to go through all the proper channels and paperwork in order to bring the cats into the US. The Dept. of Fish and Wildlife confiscated several bengal cats that were being shipped here due to the lack of documentation. The new owners are not being given the cats, regardless. Do it right or your kitties will be taken away from you.
Also, I would love to have a copy of your kitties' pedigrees so I an add them to my database of bengal cats and their F generations. You can photograph them and send them to me in a private message -- or post here.
Good luck with everything.
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