N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law § 11-0507: Liberation of fish, shellfish and wildlife

§ 11-0507. Liberation of fish, shellfish and wildlife.

1. Fish or fish eggs shall not be placed in any waters of the state

unless a permit is first obtained from the department; but no permit

shall be required to place fish or fish eggs in an aquarium.

2. No person shall liberate or import or cause to be imported for the

purpose of liberation within the state any European hare (Lepus

europaeus), European or San Juan rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), Texas

or jack rabbit (Lepus californicus), gray fox (Urocyon

cinereoargenteus), including captive bred gray fox, red fox (Vulpes

vuples), including captive bred red fox or nutria (Myocastor coypus),

whether taken from within or without the state. Nutria may be imported

only by permit of the department for scientific, exhibition or for

breeding purposes.

3. No person shall willfully liberate within the state any wildlife

except under permit from the department. The department may issue such

permit in its discretion, fix the terms thereof and revoke it at

pleasure. These provisions do not apply to migratory game birds,

importation of which is governed by regulation of the department.

4. No person shall intentionally liberate zebra mussels (Dreissena

polymorpha) into any waters of the state. No person shall buy, sell, or

offer to buy or sell, or intentionally possess or transport zebra

mussels except under a license or permit issued pursuant to section

11-0515. Zebra mussels, except those lawfully held pursuant to a license

or permit, may be destroyed by any person at any time.