Columbia, SC Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Section 4-91 of the Code of Ordinances makes it unlawful for any person to own, keep, harbor or act as custodian of a long list of species: any nondomestic member of the cat family, wolf-dog hybrids of any wolf percentage, badgers, wolverines, weasels, skunks and mink, raccoons, bears, nonhuman primates (apes, monkeys, baboons, macaques, lemurs, marmosets and tamarins), bats, alligators, crocodiles and caimans, scorpions, named constricting snake species (reticulated python, Burmese/Indian rock python, African rock python and anaconda), any venomous reptile, and lizards over two feet in the family varanidae.

The same section separately bars exposing any of these 'wild or feral' animals to public view or exhibiting them for a fee anywhere in the city, on public or private property. 'Wild or feral animal' is defined broadly to include any animal not naturally tame that is capable of killing or seriously injuring people or pets, plus any nondomesticated member of the order Carnivora and any species the animal superintendent or city manager declares illegal. Four narrow exceptions apply: public zoos, bona fide educational or medical institutions, humane societies and museums keeping specimens for viewing or research; licensed traveling circuses, carnivals or shows; licensed veterinary hospitals treating the animal; and wildlife rescue organizations holding appropriate state or local permits.

Anyone violating Sec. 4-91 is guilty of a misdemeanor under Sec. 00 fine and 30 days imprisonment that a judge cannot suspend or remit. Violators also owe the city's shelter, food and veterinary costs tied to seizing the animal.