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Stark County, OH Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

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

Key Facts

State ban
ORC Chapter 935
Permit agency
Ohio Dept. of Agriculture
Canton rule
Cod. Ord. 505.13
Presumed dangerous
Venomous snakes, apes
Canton penalty
First-degree misdemeanor

Summary

Ohio's Dangerous Wild Animal Act (ORC Chapter 935) bans private ownership of big cats, bears, primates, and large constrictors without a state permit. In Canton, Codified Ordinance 505.13 presumes venomous snakes and apes to be dangerous animals.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Stark County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

There is an irrebuttable presumption that the following animals are dangerous when kept within the City of Canton: all crotalid, elapid and venomous colubroid snakes; apes such as gibbons, gorillas, orangutans, and siamangs.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026-01: Local legislation current through May 18, 2026 | State legislation current through December 31, 2025).

Full Breakdown

Since 2012, ORC Chapter 935 prohibits acquiring dangerous wild animals such as lions, tigers, bears, elephants, alligators, and non-human primates, and requires permits for restricted snakes like large pythons and venomous species. The Ohio Department of Agriculture administers permits. Locally, Canton's Codified Ordinance 505.13 goes further, applying an irrebuttable presumption that certain animals are dangerous when kept in the city, including all crotalid, elapid and venomous colubroid snakes and apes such as gibbons, gorillas, orangutans and siamangs. Townships and other Stark cities may adopt similar bans; check your local code.

Violations & Fines

Keeping a dangerous wild animal without a state permit is a criminal offense under ORC 935.99. Violating Canton 505.13 is a first-degree misdemeanor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I own a big cat or monkey in Stark County?
No. Ohio's Dangerous Wild Animal Act (ORC Chapter 935) bans private ownership of big cats and primates without a hard-to-obtain state permit.
Are venomous snakes legal in Canton?
No. Canton Codified Ordinance 505.13 treats crotalid, elapid and venomous colubroid snakes as presumptively dangerous animals prohibited in the city.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Stark County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Stark County rules

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