Baltimore prohibits keeping dangerous and exotic animals including big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, bears, and wolves. Enforcement falls to Baltimore Animal Services and Maryland Natural Resources Police under state and city authority.
Maryland Criminal Law section 10-621 bans private possession of dangerous animals statewide, with limited exceptions for licensed sanctuaries, USDA-licensed exhibitors, and research facilities. Baltimore City Code Article 11 reinforces this with local enforcement and adds prohibitions on certain reptiles over a specified length. Permitted exotics include common companion species like ferrets, small parrots, and nonvenomous snakes under four feet. Violators face seizure of the animal and criminal charges. Sanctuaries grandfathered before 2006 must register annually.
Misdemeanor under state law: up to 90 days jail and $1,000 fine per animal. City citations add $500. Animals are seized and transferred to accredited sanctuaries.
Baltimore, MD
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