Southampton, NY Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Chapter 150's WILD OR EXOTIC ANIMAL definition in § 150-4 sweeps broadly: nonhuman primates and prosimians, all felidae except domestic cats, canidae including wolf hybrids but excluding domestic dogs, bears, elephants, marine mammals, crocodilians, marsupials, ungulates such as deer and zebra, hyenas, mustelids, raccoons and coatis, anteaters and armadillos, civets and genets, cetaceans, and poisonous reptiles such as rattlesnakes and cobras, along with any hybrids of these with domestic species. Domestic animals recognized under New York Agriculture and Markets Law § 108(7) are carved out of the definition.

Section 150-8(A) then makes it a violation to exhibit or display any such live wild or exotic animal anywhere in the Town. The chapter carves out several exceptions in § 150-8(D): horses, wild or exotic animals displayed by AZA-accredited zoos or the Association of Sanctuaries, and educational exhibitions, provided the operator has secured a commercial enterprise permit under § 150-9 and any required New York State or federal license. Anyone running a permitted exhibit involving non-wild animals is also barred under § 150-8(B) from using electric prods, shocking devices, bucking straps, wire tie-downs, sharpened spurs, bull hooks or bullwhips, and from making an animal perform an inherently dangerous or unnatural act; permitted animals must carry proof of current vaccination or a veterinarian's health certificate under § 150-8(C).

Violations of the display ban are enforced under § 150-14 by the Animal Control Officer, Town police, park rangers, bay constables, code enforcement officers and peace officers, with penalties under § 150-15 running from up to $250 for a first offense to $500 to $1,000 for a third, plus a mandatory $100 animal welfare surcharge on every conviction.