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St. Clair County, IL Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Big cats/bears/wolves: Prohibited
Poisonous reptiles: Prohibited
Allowed only at: Zoos, labs, refuges
Domestication: No defense
Fine: $75 up to $750

Summary

St. Clair County flatly prohibits keeping big cats, bears, wolves, coyotes, hyenas and poisonous reptiles outside licensed facilities such as zoos, circuses or research institutions. Domesticating such an animal is no defense.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of St. Clair County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No person, business association or corporation shall keep any lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, cheetah, margay, mountain lion, canada lynx, bobcat, jaguarundi, hyena or coyote, bear, wolf, or any poisonous reptile in any place other than a property maintained zoological park, circus, scientific or educational institution, research laboratory, veterinary hospital or animal refuge.

View official code

Full Breakdown

St. Clair County Animal Services Code 3-5-1 bars any person, business or corporation from keeping listed dangerous wild animals - 'lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, cheetah, margay, mountain lion, canada lynx, bobcat, jaguarundi, hyena or coyote, bear, wolf, or any poisonous reptile' - anywhere except a properly maintained zoological park, circus, scientific or educational institution, research laboratory, veterinary hospital or animal refuge. Section 3-5-2 makes clear that attempting to domesticate such an animal 'is no defense.' Illinois also restricts dangerous animals and primates statewide under the Dangerous Animals Act (720 ILCS 585) and Herptiles-Herps Act. In RR/SR zoning districts, keeping any species 'normally considered wild' as an accessory pet is likewise disallowed.

Violations & Fines

A violation is a petty offense: fined not less than $75 for a first or second offense, and up to $750 for a third or subsequent offense (3-5-3).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a big cat or bear in St. Clair County?

No. Code 3-5-1 prohibits keeping lions, tigers, bears, wolves, coyotes and similar animals outside licensed zoos, circuses, research labs, vet hospitals or animal refuges.

What about venomous snakes?

Any poisonous reptile is prohibited under 3-5-1 outside those same licensed facilities, and claiming the animal is tame is no defense.

Sources & Official References

[1]St. Clair County Animal Services Code (3-5-1, 3-5-3)

Other rules in St. Clair County

Dog Leash LawsSome Restrictions Chickens & LivestockSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Pet LimitsSome Restrictions Cat RulesSome Restrictions Breed RestrictionsSome Restrictions Mandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant Restrictions Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All St. Clair County rules

Compare St. Clair County to another location·View the Illinois animal ordinances overview

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