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Lima, OH Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Wild animals
Prohibited in city
City section
Lima CO 618.04
State ban
ORC Chapter 935
Covers
Big cats, primates, large snakes
Domestic pets
Allowed, per 618.09

Summary

Lima flatly prohibits keeping or harboring any wild animal within the city. Dangerous wild animals are separately banned statewide under Ohio's Dangerous Wild Animal Act, so exotic pets like big cats, primates, and large constrictors are not allowed.

No person shall keep or harbor any wild animal within the corporate limits of the City.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Lima Codified Ordinance 618.04 (Certain Animals Prohibited) states that no person shall keep or harbor any wild animal within the corporate limits of the city. This city ban is reinforced by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 935, the Dangerous Wild Animals and Restricted Snakes Act, which bars private possession of listed dangerous wild animals (such as big cats, bears, primates, and certain venomous or large constrictor snakes) statewide and requires permits for legacy animals. Together these rules make exotic and dangerous animals off-limits as pets in Lima, while common domesticated pets remain allowed subject to the general animal regulations in 618.09.

Violations & Fines

Harboring a prohibited wild animal is a Chapter 618 offense (618.99) and can trigger seizure; violations of the state dangerous-wild-animal law carry separate criminal penalties under ORC Chapter 935.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep an exotic pet like a monkey or big cat?
No. Lima bans harboring any wild animal, and Ohio's Dangerous Wild Animals Act (ORC 935) separately prohibits private possession of such species.
Are small reptiles or ferrets banned too?
The city bans wild animals; common domesticated exotics are typically allowed, but confirm the species is not restricted under state law and does not create a nuisance under 618.09.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lima

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Lima rules

Compare Lima to another location·View the Ohio animal ordinances overview

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