NEW ORLEANS — Neuty, the pet nutria in Jefferson Parish that's become a viral sensation, has been allowed by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to stay with his family under certain conditions.
According to our partners at NOLA.com, these conditions are that Neuty must:
- Receive regular veterinary checkups
- Be caged while at the seafood shop
- Be shielded from shop customers seeking to touch it, as they had before.
LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet said Friday that Neuty's owners applied for a permit that would allow him to remain with his owners. Montoucet said the matter is still ongoing and nothing is finalized yet.
On Thursday, Neuty's owners were issued a citation for possession of a wild animal. Nutria are considered an invasive species that are notorious for causing damage to the state's crops, coastlines, and marches.
"I think this is a good conclusion for all sides," Secretary Montoucet said.