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Neenah, WI Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Banned: Big cats, bears, wolves, apes
Also banned: Poisonous reptiles, large constrictors
Exception: Licensed game farms, zoos, shows
Code section: § 3-30(c)

Summary

Neenah bans keeping poisonous reptiles, primates, big cats, bears, wolves, and other dangerous or carnivorous wild animals anywhere in the city, with narrow exceptions for licensed game farms and shows.

it shall be unlawful for any person to keep, maintain or have in his possession or under his control within the City any poisonous reptile or any other dangerous or carnivorous wild animal, insect or reptile, any vicious or dangerous domesticated animal or any other animal or reptile of wild, vicious or dangerous propensities.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 44).

Full Breakdown

Neenah Municipal Code § 3-30(c) bans keeping, maintaining, or possessing within the City any poisonous reptile, other dangerous or carnivorous wild animal, or vicious domesticated animal. It then lists specific prohibited species: poisonous snakes, apes and monkeys, bears, cheetahs, large crocodilians, six-foot-plus constrictor snakes, coyotes, hyenas, lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, and wolves or wolf-dog hybrids. Exceptions cover state-licensed game farms in properly zoned areas, veterinarians treating the animal, agricultural fairs, 4-H shows, licensed pet shops, and zoos, as long as the site meets zoning rules and the animals cannot escape. Last amended by Ord. No. 2017-05A, § 1, 3-15-2017.

Violations & Fines

Keeping a prohibited species is a code violation regardless of any intent to sell; the City can order removal or seizure, separate from any dangerous-animal proceeding under Sec. 3-31.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I own a pet monkey in Neenah?

No. Sec. 3-30(c)(2) specifically bans apes, chimpanzees, gibbons, gorillas, and orangutans within the City, with no pet-owner exception.

Is a pet snake legal in Neenah?

Only if it isn't poisonous and isn't a constrictor six feet or longer: both are banned outright under Sec. 3-30(c).

Sources & Official References

[1]Neenah Municipal Code § 3-30 - Prohibited and protected animals, fowl, reptiles and insects

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All Neenah rules

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