Michigan's Large Carnivore Act (MCL 287.1101 et seq.) bans private ownership of lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, cheetahs, panthers, jaguars, and bears statewide — directly enforceable in Oakland County. Acquiring a new large carnivore is prohibited; grandfathered animals require permits.
Under Public Act 274 of 2000, no Oakland County resident may acquire or possess a large carnivore (Felidae family big cats and bears) except those already lawfully owned before the Act's effective date and registered with MDARD. Breeding is prohibited statewide. The Act explicitly allows local governments to be more restrictive — Oakland County's general policy bans wild or dangerous animals unless the locality has its own conflicting ordinance. Wolf-dog hybrids are separately regulated under MCL 287.1001 (Wolf-Dog Cross Act) and require registration. Venomous reptiles and primates are not banned by state law but are commonly prohibited by Oakland County municipalities including Royal Oak, Troy, Bloomfield Hills, Farmington Hills, and Southfield. Birds of prey require a USFWS falconry permit. Native wildlife (raccoons, skunks, deer) may not be kept without a Michigan DNR captive-wildlife permit.
Owning a large carnivore without permit: fine $500 to $2,000 plus costs, up to 93 days jail, 500 hours community service. Acquiring a new large carnivore: fine $250 to $1,000 plus costs.
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