St. Louis prohibits ownership of dangerous wild animals under SLRC 10.16 and RSMo 578.023. Banned species include large cats, bears, primates, venomous snakes, and crocodilians. Violations carry $500 fines and animal seizure.
St. Louis City SLRC 10.16.010 incorporates and expands Missouri Revised Statute 578.023, which prohibits possession of dangerous wild animals including lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, bears, wolves, hyenas, primates over 30 pounds, elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, crocodilians over 3 feet, and all venomous reptiles including rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, coral snakes, and all Old World venomous species. USDA-licensed exhibitors, AZA-accredited facilities like the St. Louis Zoo, and wildlife rehabilitators with Missouri Department of Conservation permits are exempt. The city also prohibits ferrets within city limits under a long-standing rabies-concern ordinance. Reptiles not listed and most birds, small mammals, and invertebrates are permitted. Animal Care and Control enforces with authority to seize non-compliant animals immediately. Owners face $500 fines plus the cost of animal transport to a sanctuary.
$500 fine, immediate seizure, owner liable for sanctuary placement costs which can exceed $5,000. Criminal charges under RSMo 578.023 possible.
St. Louis, MO
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St. Louis, MO
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St. Louis, MO
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St. Louis, MO
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St. Louis, MO
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St. Louis, MO
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