Environmental Conservation Law section 11-0512 universally prohibits possessing wild animals such as big cats, bears, wolves, and venomous reptiles as pets across New York.
ECL 11-0512 bars individuals from owning, harboring, or transporting designated wild animals including non-human primates, large cats, bears, crocodilians, and venomous snakes. Limited exemptions exist for licensed zoos, sanctuaries, and research facilities. Existing pre-2005 owners had to register with DEC. The ban is statewide, applies in every county and municipality, and supplements local exotic pet rules with a non-waivable floor.
Possession of a prohibited wild animal is a violation punishable by civil penalties up to 500 dollars per animal, seizure of the animal, and criminal misdemeanor charges for repeat offenses.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Erie County.
See how Clarence's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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