Madison, AL Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Dangerous animals
- Banned citywide
- Examples
- Bears, big cats, primates
- Venomous snakes
- Prohibited
- Large constrictors
- Banned over 8 feet
- Code section
- Madison City Code § 6-6
Summary
Madison bans keeping animals deemed inherently dangerous to humans, including bears, big cats, wolves, primates, alligators, and venomous snakes. "Exotic animals" like monkeys, foxes, skunks, and non-domestic cats are defined and restricted under City Code Chapter 6.
The following animals have been determined by the United States Animal Health Association to be inherently dangerous to humans. It shall be unlawful for anyone to keep any of these animals in the city. The owner or keeper shall also be responsible for removing such animal at his expense.
Full Breakdown
Under Madison City Code § 6-6, it is unlawful to keep any animal the U.S. Animal Health Association has determined to be inherently dangerous to humans. The listed prohibited animals include bears; lions, tigers, leopards, and other big cats; wolves and jackals; primates such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and baboons; elephants; alligators and crocodiles; cobras, vipers, and other venomous snakes; and large constrictor snakes over eight feet. Section 6-1 separately defines an "exotic animal" to include monkeys, alligators, raccoons, skunks, foxes, bears, sea mammals, venomous snakes, and any non-domestic cat or dog. Owners of prohibited animals must remove them at their own expense.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a prohibited dangerous animal is punishable under § 6-2 with minimum fines of $100/$200/$500, and the owner must remove the animal at his own expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a monkey or big cat in Madison, AL?
Are pet foxes or venomous snakes allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madison
Compare Madison to another location·View the Alabama animal ordinances overview
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Madison County handle exotic pets.