Anderson, IN Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Wild animals as pets
- Prohibited (Sec. 91.63)
- Allowed
- Dogs, cats, common caged birds, fish
- Exceptions
- Zoos, circuses, prior registrants
- Native infant wildlife
- Temporary Board permit
- Penalty
- Up to $500/day (Sec. 91.999)
Summary
Anderson Municipal Code Sec. 91.63 makes it unlawful to keep any wild or vicious animal for display, or to keep any wild animal as a pet. Exceptions cover zoos, circuses, and animals registered before the chapter took effect.
No person shall keep or permit to be kept any wild animal as a pet.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-25: Local legislation current through Ord. 11-26, passed 7-9-26 | State legislation current through 2025 ALS Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 91.63 (Keeping Wild Animals; Exceptions) bars keeping any wild or vicious animal on one's premises for display or exhibition, and states plainly that no person shall keep any wild animal as a pet. 'Wild animal' is defined in Sec. 91.01 as any animal that is not a domestic animal, excepting nonpoisonous aquatic or amphibious animals and small cage birds. The listed domestic species (dogs, cats, rabbits, common rodents, etc.) may be kept. The Board of Public Safety may issue a temporary permit to care for a helpless native infant wild animal and can order its release. Owners who possessed wild animals before the chapter's enactment could keep them only by registering with the Board within six weeks.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a prohibited wild animal as a pet is enforced by the Senior Humane Officer; the animal may be impounded. With no specific penalty stated, Sec. 91.999 applies a fine of up to $500, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own an exotic or wild animal in Anderson, Indiana?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anderson
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