Parma, OH Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- ORC 935
- Banned
- Big cats, bears, primates
- Code
- Parma CO 505
- Penalty
- Felony possible
- Effective Date
- 2012
Summary
Parma prohibits dangerous wild animals under ORC 935 (Ohio's 2012 Dangerous Wild Animal Act), which bans private ownership of big cats, bears, primates, and large constrictors statewide. Parma CO 505 adds local prohibitions on keeping farm livestock in residential zones.
Chapter 935 | Possession Of Wild Animals And Snakes [...] Section 935.01 | Definitions. As used in this chapter: [...] (C) 'Dangerous wild animal' means any of the following, including hybrids unless otherwise specified: (1) Hyenas; (2) Gray wolves, excluding hybrids; (3) Lions; (4) Tigers; (5) Jaguars; (6) Leopards, including clouded leopards, Sunda clouded leopards, and snow leopards; (7) All of the following, including hybrids with domestic cats unless otherwise specified: (a) Cheetahs; (b) Lynxes, including Canadian lynxes, Eurasian lynxes, and Iberian lynxes; (c) Cougars, also known as pumas or mountain lions; (d) Caracals; (e) Servals, excluding hybrids with domestic cats commonly known as savannah cats. (8) Bears; (9) Elephants; (10) Rhinoceroses; (11) Hippopotamuses; (12) Cape buffaloes; (13) African wild dogs; (14) Komodo dragons; (15) Alligators; (16) Crocodiles; (17) Caimans, excluding dwarf caimans; (18) Gharials; (19) Nonhuman primates other than lemurs and the nonhuman primates specified in division (C)(20) of this section; (20) All of the following nonhuman primates: (a) Golden lion, black-faced lion, golden-rumped lion, cotton-top, emperor, saddlebacked, black-mantled, and Geoffroy's tamarins; [...] 'Dangerous wild animal' does not include a domesticated animal that is considered livestock as defined in section 901.70 of the Revised Code.
Full Breakdown
Ohio's Dangerous Wild Animal and Restricted Snake Act (ORC Chapter 935), enacted in 2012 following the 2011 Zanesville incident (where a private owner released 56 exotic animals), bans private ownership of dangerous wild animals statewide. Prohibited species include lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars, bears, elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, Cape buffalo, African wild dogs, Komodo dragons, alligators, crocodiles, non-human primates (other than certain small species like marmosets), and venomous snakes / large constrictors (anacondas, Burmese pythons, reticulated pythons, African rock pythons, and others listed). Preexisting owners could register with the Ohio Department of Agriculture and obtain a wildlife shelter permit, but no new acquisitions are allowed after January 1, 2014.
Parma Codified Ordinance 505 supplements state law with additional restrictions on livestock and fowl in residential zones - horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens are prohibited on typical Parma residential lots regardless of state law. Common domestic pets (dogs, cats, small birds, fish, rabbits, hamsters) remain unrestricted. Certain reptiles under a threshold size and most amphibians are also permitted.
Violations & Fines
ORC 935 violations: up to fifth-degree felony (up to 12 months imprisonment and $2,500 fine) for possession without permit. CO 505 local livestock violations: $150-$500 and removal order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own an exotic pet in Parma?
What exotic animals are prohibited in Parma?
Sources & Official References
- [1]ORC 935
Other rules in Parma
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cuyahoga County handle exotic pets.