Scranton's Code of Ordinances Chapter 169 addresses dangerous and at-large animals through nuisance and restraint provisions, and the Scranton Zoning Ordinance does not list exotic species as a customary residential accessory use. Statewide, the Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code at 34 Pa.C.S. Section 2961 et seq. and the Pennsylvania Game Commission's permit regulations at 58 Pa. Code Chapter 147 separately require an Exotic Wildlife Possession Permit for big cats, primates, bears, wolves, and venomous reptiles native to non-PA jurisdictions.
Scranton's local enforcement runs through Chapter 169 of the Code of Ordinances at https://ecode360.com/11604508, which addresses dangerous and at-large animals and provides the local nuisance hook for exotic species kept in residential settings. Pennsylvania state law layers a separate and significant requirement on top. The Game and Wildlife Code at 34 Pa.C.S. Section 2961 et seq., implemented through 58 Pa. Code Chapter 147 (https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/058/chapter147/chap147toc.html&d=reduce), classifies certain species as 'exotic wildlife' β including lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, mountain lions, cougars, bears, wolves, hyenas, and venomous reptiles native to non-PA jurisdictions β and requires an Exotic Wildlife Possession Permit from the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The permit includes caging standards, prior-experience requirements, and a minimum two-year apprenticeship for large carnivores. Common household pets such as ferrets, parrots, non-venomous reptiles, rabbits, and most small mammals are not exotic under the state framework and do not need a Game Commission permit, though they may still draw zoning or nuisance review if Scranton Code Enforcement treats them as non-customary household animals. The Pennsylvania Game Commission Northeast Region Office in Dallas, PA serves Lackawanna County for exotic-wildlife and dangerous-animal complaints. Anyone considering an unusual pet should call Scranton Code Enforcement and the PGC Northeast Region before purchase.
Keeping a dangerous or at-large animal in Scranton in violation of Chapter 169 is a summary offense with fines historically up to $100 plus default imprisonment up to 24 hours and abatement orders. Possessing exotic wildlife under 34 Pa.C.S. Section 2961 without a Game Commission permit is a separate summary or misdemeanor offense with fines up to $1,500 per animal and seizure by Wildlife Conservation Officers. Animals seized for public-safety reasons are placed with PGC-licensed wildlife sanctuaries at the owner's expense.
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See how Scranton's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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