87-5-712. Authority for commission to control importation, possession, or sale of certain wildlife species and exotic wildlife. (1) The commission may, after public hearing and recommendation by the classification review committee in 87-5-708, list by administrative rule wildlife species or exotic wildlife that may not be imported, possessed, or sold as pets for captive breeding for research or commercial purposes, for the commercial pet trade, or for any other reason. A wildlife species or exotic wildlife may be placed on the list only after the commission finds that:

(a) the exotic wildlife would not be readily subject to control by humans while in captivity;

(b) if released from captivity, the exotic wildlife would pose a substantial threat to native wildlife and plants or agricultural production; or

(c) the exotic wildlife would pose a risk to human health or safety, livestock, or native wildlife through disease transmission, hybridization, or ecological or environmental damage.

(2) The commission may make exceptions for wildlife species or exotic wildlife otherwise prohibited under this section if the wildlife species or exotic wildlife is controlled in an institution listed in 87-5-709(1)(a) and under any conditions specified by the commission.