Massachusetts § 77A - Wild canid and felid hybrids

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 77A — Wild canid and felid hybrids, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 77A. Wild canid and felid hybrids

Section 77A. No person shall possess, sell, trade, breed, import, export or release a wild canid hybrid or wild felid hybrid, except as otherwise provided by rules and regulations of the division. Any mammal which is the offspring of the reproduction between any species of wild canid or hybrid wild canid and a domestic dog or hybrid wild canid, or is represented by its owner to be a wolf hybrid, coyote hybrid, coy dog or any other kind of wild canid hybrid, or which is the offspring of the reproduction between any species of wild felid or hybrid wild felid and a domestic cat or hybrid wild felid or is represented by its owner to be a wild felid hybrid. All mammals shall be considered to be wild mammals and subject to the provisions of this chapter.

The provisions of this act shall not apply to an owner or other person possessing any such animal as of January first, nineteen hundred and ninety-four who has received a permit from the director; provided, however, that such permit has been acquired on or before July thirty-first, nineteen hundred and ninety-four. Such owner or other person shall be subject to the rules and regulations promulgated by the division. Such rules and regulations may include, but shall not be limited to, provisions for the housing of such animals.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to an owner or person possessing a domesticated show or pet cat registered with a nationally or internationally recognized breeding association or registry which certifies the pedigree and registration of such cat to be without any wild felid parentage for a minimum of three generations.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 77A

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 77A cover?

Section 77A ("Wild canid and felid hybrids") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 77A?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 77A" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 77A apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.