87-5-705. Regulation of exotic wildlife. (1) A person may not import into the state, possess, or sell any exotic wildlife unless:

(a) the importation, possession, or sale of the exotic wildlife is allowed by law or commission rule; and

(b) the person has obtained authorization for importation from the department of livestock pursuant to Title 81, chapter 2, part 7.

(2) The department may issue a permit for authorizing the possession or sale of controlled exotic wildlife and make the permit available to persons who wish to import, possess, or sell controlled exotic wildlife, subject to rules of the commission and the department. The department may charge a reasonable fee, as determined by department rule, for the issuance of the authorization permit.