Ohio's Dangerous Wild Animal Act (Revised Code Chapter 935), enacted in 2012 after the Zanesville incident, bans private ownership of most dangerous wild animals statewide, including big cats, bears, elephants, non-human primates, crocodiles, alligators, and certain venomous snakes. Cleveland residents cannot legally acquire these animals, and owners who had them prior to the law had to register and comply with permit, caging, insurance, and microchipping rules. The state Department of Agriculture enforces Chapter 935.
Restricted snakes under ORC §935.02 include constrictors over 12 feet (pythons, anacondas) and all venomous snakes, requiring a wildlife shelter or propagation permit. Dangerous wild animals listed in ORC §935.01 include lions, tigers, bears, cheetahs, hyenas, Komodo dragons, and non-human primates such as chimpanzees and gorillas. Permits require $200,000 liability insurance for dangerous wild animals, $100,000 for restricted snakes, microchipping, secure caging meeting state standards, and passage of a written exam. No new permits are issued for most dangerous wild animals. Cleveland's city code also prohibits keeping wild or vicious animals as pets under its general animal regulations. Conventional pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles not listed in Chapter 935, and small mammals are permitted subject to licensing and humane care rules.
Possession of a dangerous wild animal without a permit is a misdemeanor on the first offense and a felony on subsequent offenses, with animals subject to seizure and forfeiture. Violators face fines up to $10,000 per animal and criminal charges.
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