Peoria's Code of Ordinances Chapter 5 (Animals) restricts the keeping of exotic, dangerous, and wild animals consistent with the Illinois Dangerous Animals Act (720 ILCS 585/) and the Illinois Herptiles-Herps Act (510 ILCS 68/). Big cats, bears, primates, venomous reptiles, and other dangerous animals are effectively prohibited within the city. Possession of certain wildlife species also requires permits from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Peoria's local restrictions sit in Chapter 5 of the Code of Ordinances at https://library.municode.com/il/peoria and are reinforced by two state statutes. First, the Illinois Dangerous Animals Act (720 ILCS 585/) at https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1939 makes it a Class C misdemeanor to harbor, breed, or possess a 'dangerous animal' — defined to include lions, tigers, leopards, ocelots, jaguars, cheetahs, pumas, lynx, bears, hyenas, wolves, coyotes, and any poisonous or life-threatening reptile. Second, the Herptiles-Herps Act (510 ILCS 68/) at https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3147 limits possession of certain native reptiles and amphibians and requires permits for others. Illinois has no statewide preemption shielding exotic-pet owners from local restrictions, so Peoria's home-rule authority supports additional local limits. Common pets such as ferrets, parrots, rabbits, and most non-venomous reptiles are not prohibited; the focus is on dangerous wildlife. Owners considering an unusual pet should call Community Development (309-494-8600) and Peoria County Animal Protection Services to verify legality before purchase.
Possessing a dangerous animal in Peoria can result in: (1) Class C misdemeanor charges under 720 ILCS 585/ (up to 30 days in jail, $1,500 fine); (2) impoundment of the animal by Peoria County Animal Protection Services with relocation to an accredited sanctuary at owner's cost; and (3) separate municipal-code citations of $75-$750 per occurrence under Peoria Code Chapter 1.
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