Duluth, MN Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Section 6-71 states the city council's purpose and finding: nondomesticated animals kept as pets in an urban setting present a substantial risk of harm to the public, can increase the likelihood of disease transmission, and can cause public disturbances and health nuisances. Section 6-73 carries out that finding with a three-part ban: subsection (a) bars owning, possessing or having custody of a nondomesticated animal for display, training or exhibition, whether free or for a fee, except as permitted under Chapter 50, the Unified Development Chapter; subsection (b) bars keeping one as a pet on the same Chapter 50 condition; and subsection (c) bars offering any nondomesticated animal for sale unless federal or state law authorizes it.

Section 6-74 then carves out four exceptions: a temporary traveling circus, zoological park or show that complies with Chapter 50 zoning; a permanent zoological park or institution whose premises meets all zoning requirements; a bona fide veterinary hospital, exempt from Section 6-73 if it uses protective devices adequate to prevent the animal from escaping or injuring the public; and a wildlife rehabilitator operating a bona fide institutional program to return animals to the wild, again subject to zoning compliance. Section 6-75 routes impoundment of any nondomesticated animal through the same Section 6-3 procedure used for other animals, and Section 6-76 bars cruelty toward a performing nondomesticated animal and requires that any equipment used on it fit properly and remain in good working condition.