Caddo Parish, LA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Section 8-6 of the Code of Ordinances names the animals the parish treats as wild or exotic: tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, lynx, bobcats, bears, wolves, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, poisonous snakes, komodo dragons, African buffalo, hyenas, coyotes, deer, crocodilians (alligators, crocodiles, gavials), other nonhuman primates, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, foxes, ratite birds, and wolf/coyote/jackal or ocelot/margay hybrids bred with domestic dogs or cats. No person may keep or permit any of these on their premises as a pet, or keep a vicious, wild or exotic animal for display or exhibition, gratuitously or for a fee.

Offering one for sale is also prohibited. The only exceptions are animals acquired or purchased before the effective date of Ordinance No. 2432, January 1, 1988, and permit holders such as Chimp Haven and the Louisiana State Fair, plus qualified educational institutions, zoological parks, publicly operated parks, performing animal exhibitions, circuses, scientific organizations, veterinary clinics, law enforcement and commercial guard dog operations. Taking or possessing a wild animal by illegal methods is separately banned. Section 8-6(h) makes violations dual violations against Title 56 of the state wildlife and fisheries laws, so state Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement can run alongside parish citations for the same conduct.

Section 8-44 separately requires registration of any python or boa longer than three feet with Caddo Parish Animal Services, with notice required if the snake escapes, dies or changes owners. Animal control officers appointed under section 8-4 investigate and cite violations, and cruelty and sanitation laws still apply to every permitted holder.