Source: Pet Age
The Pet Advocacy Network (PAN) has submitted testimony opposing proposed changes to Arizona’s Administrative Code that would ban the ownership of three families of pet fish—Pimelodidae, Osteoglossidae, and Siluridae. Arizona officials claim these species could become invasive if released, but PAN argues the ban lacks scientific evidence. For instance, Glass catfish, part of Siluridae, are tropical and unlikely to survive in Arizona’s environment.
PAN asserts that the restrictions are unjustified and would significantly harm the state’s pet industry, citing direct and indirect economic losses totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. These losses could also negatively impact employment and tax revenue. PAN’s testimony, supported by aquatics expert Art Parola, challenges the scientific validity of the proposed rules and urges the state to reconsider. A public hearing on the matter will be held by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission on September 5, 2025.