For years there has been controversy about the legality of owning Bengals in the state of Georgia. Several efforts to secure legslation have failed. Now the Chief of Game, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, has issued a policy that will allow Bengal cats to be in Georgia if they meet certain conditions. The policy statement is reproduced here:

1. The purpose of this policy is to clarify license requirements for Bengal Cats.



2. The O.C.G.A 27-1-2 defines wld animals as any non-domestic species not native to this state. This definition also states that any hybrid between any wild animal and any domestic animal hall be treated just as the wild animal from which it originated. The Department maintains a strict interpretation of this definition, which remains important to prevent abuse of the wild animal licensing requirements through selective domestic dilution.



3. The definition of wild animals is codified and therefore may not be amended by the Department; however, te Department is not charged with regulation or control of domestic animals. The Department will no longer regulate certain Bengal cats as wild animals and will make the determination that those animals adhering to the standards herein will not be subject to enforcement under the Code. Bengal cats shall be considered a domestic breed if all the following conditions are met:
   
   
   1. Animals are at least F4 crosses (four generations removed from leopard cats),
   2. Animals are registered with a nationally recognized cat-fancier organization as "Bengal cats";
   3. Animal owners have proof of origin of animals;
   4. Animals are permanently tattooed or microchipped with identifying information indicating the animal in question is the same as described in all required paerwork;
   5. Animal's appearance must generally adhere to those recognized and described traits for the breed.
   
   
4. A wild animal license or permit is required for all Bengal cats that do not meet the five conditions above.