Ohio's Dangerous Wild Animal Act (ORC Chapter 935) bans possessing big cats, bears, primates, large constrictors, and other listed species without a state permit. This applies in Summit County; the ban has been in force since January 1, 2014.
After the 2011 Zanesville release, Ohio enacted ORC Chapter 935 (2012). ORC 935.02 prohibits possessing a 'dangerous wild animal' on or after January 1, 2014 unless grandfathered under a state permit. Covered species include big cats, bears, elephants, hyenas, gray wolves, alligators, crocodiles, and most nonhuman primates, plus restricted snakes such as large constrictors and venomous species. Permits, microchipping, insurance, and caging standards are administered statewide by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Summit County does not issue separate exotic permits; the state law controls. Ordinary pets (dogs, cats, common reptiles, small mammals) are unaffected.
Illegal possession of a dangerous wild animal is a criminal offense under ORC 935.99 with fines and possible seizure of the animal by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Summit County OH encourages backyard composting of grass, leaves and yard trimmings through Summit ReWorks. There is no county ban on home compost piles; reg...
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Summit County OH has no countywide rule on artificial turf. Whether synthetic grass is allowed in a front yard depends on your municipality's zoning and prop...
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Summit County OH has no countywide native-plant or 'no-mow' ordinance. Natural landscaping is generally allowed, but each city's weed/height code may require...
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Ohio permits residential rainwater harvesting; Summit County sets no restriction. Rain barrels and cisterns are allowed. If a harvested system supplies drink...
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Summit County OH has no countywide lawn-watering ban. Ohio's humid climate means restrictions are rare; any limits come from your city water department (e.g....
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Ohio requires property owners to cut and destroy noxious weeds. In municipalities the owner must act within five days of written notice (ORC 731.51); townshi...
See how Summit County's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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