Johnson County cities restrict dangerous exotic and wild animals through local ordinance, while Iowa Code Chapter 717F bans keeping dangerous wild animals, including big cats, primates, bears, and many venomous or large reptiles, statewide.
Iowa regulates exotic pets at the state level through the Dangerous Wild Animal law, Iowa Code Chapter 717F, which generally prohibits private ownership of dangerous wild animals such as large cats, bears, primates, wolves, and many venomous and large constricting reptiles, with narrow exceptions for licensed facilities. Iowa City and Coralville add local prohibitions and nuisance rules for animals not suited to residential keeping. Native wildlife is managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Before acquiring any unusual animal, confirm both the state law and your city ordinance, since an escaped exotic is a public-safety emergency.
Keeping a prohibited dangerous wild animal can bring confiscation, state penalties, and criminal charges under Iowa Code Chapter 717F, plus local citations. The owner is liable for any harm an escaped animal causes.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Johnson County's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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