Huntington, NY Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Town Code § 78-30(A), Article V of Chapter 78, bars anyone from knowingly owning, possessing, harboring or maintaining a wild or dangerous animal as set forth in § 11-0103(6)(e) of the state Environmental Conservation Law, incorporating that state definition and any future amendment or successor law rather than listing species itself. Section 78-30(B) carves out exemptions for any duly licensed and established research facility, animal or veterinary health care facility, zoo, circus, wildlife exhibit, or animal show or other amusement or event holding a valid permit, and it also covers transporting such animals to or through the Town for participation in those activities.

Section 78-1(A) states the Town Board's broader legislative intent to safeguard public health and safety in part by prohibiting ownership of certain wild and dangerous animals. Enforcement runs through § 78-33, which authorizes any police officer, peace officer or Animal Control Officer to seize an animal owned, possessed, harbored, maintained, or running at large in violation of the article, with the seized animal to be properly fed and cared for pending disposition.