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Charleston, WV Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Banned species
Panthers, bears, bobcats, venomous reptiles, constrictors
Permit exception
City license or council permit
Penalty
$10-$500 fine, up to 30 days jail
Citation
City Code Sec. 10-13
Enacted
Ord. No. 7266 (2007)

Summary

Charleston prohibits keeping panthers, bears, bobcats, venomous reptiles, and constrictor snakes within city limits unless the owner holds a city license or permit under Sec. 10-13.

It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or harbor within the city any panther, wildcat or bobcat, bear or other wild animal of a species normally dangerous to human beings, or any skunk from which the perinea glands have not been removed, or any venomous reptile or any make of a constrictor species, except pursuant to authority of a city license or permit which may be issued under any other provisions of the City Code or other city ordinance or by special action of the city council.

Source: Charleston Code Ch. 6 AnimalsView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).

Full Breakdown

City Code Sec. 10-13 makes it unlawful to keep or harbor within Charleston any panther, wildcat, bobcat, bear, or other wild animal of a species normally dangerous to humans, plus skunks with intact scent glands, venomous reptiles, and any species of constrictor snake. The ban applies citywide unless the owner obtains a city license or permit issued under the Code or by special city council action: there's no blanket exemption for licensed breeders or hobbyists without that specific city authorization.

Violations & Fines

Keeping a prohibited animal without a permit is a Code violation: fines run $10 to $500 plus up to 30 days in jail, and each day it continues counts as a separate offense (Sec. 1-8).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I own a pet snake in Charleston?
Non-venomous, non-constrictor snakes aren't covered by Sec. 10-13's ban. Venomous reptiles and constrictor species (like boas or pythons) are prohibited without a city license or permit.
Is a permit actually available?
The ordinance allows one 'under any other provisions of the City Code or other city ordinance or by special action of the city council,' but it doesn't create a standing exotic-pet permit process.

Sources & Official References

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All Charleston rules

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