Buffalo Code Chapter 341 prohibits keeping wild or exotic animals within city limits, including big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, crocodilians, and wolf hybrids. NY Environmental Conservation Law section 11-0512 reinforces the state ban. Violators face seizure and fines up to $500.
Buffalo Code Chapter 341 bans the keeping, harboring, or possession of any wild or dangerous animal. This includes all non-human primates, big cats (lions, tigers, cougars, leopards), bears, wolves and wolf hybrids, crocodilians, venomous reptiles, and constrictor snakes over 12 feet. NY Environmental Conservation Law section 11-0512 provides a parallel state-level prohibition on possessing wild animals as pets. Common household pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, non-venomous snakes under 6 feet, aquarium fish, and most birds are allowed. Ferrets are legal in Buffalo (unlike in NYC). Chickens are separately regulated (see chickens-backyard). Violations result in immediate animal seizure, potential criminal charges under ECL 11-0512, and fines.
First offense: up to $500 and animal seizure. Criminal charges possible under ECL 11-0512.
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See how Buffalo's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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