St. Louis, MO Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- RSMo 578.023
- Code
- SLRC 10.16
- Banned
- Big cats, bears, primates, venomous reptiles
- Ferrets
- Prohibited in city
- Fine
- $500 + seizure costs
Summary
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.
578.023. Keeping a dangerous wild animal — penalty. — 1. A person commits the offense of keeping a dangerous wild animal if he or she keeps any lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, cheetah, margay, mountain lion, Canada lynx, bobcat, jaguarundi, hyena, wolf, bear, nonhuman primate, coyote, any deadly, dangerous, or poisonous reptile, or any deadly or dangerous reptile over eight feet long, in any place other than a properly maintained zoological park, circus, scientific, or educational institution, research laboratory, veterinary hospital, or animal refuge, unless he or she has registered such animals with the local law enforcement agency in the county in which the animal is kept. 2. The offense of keeping a dangerous wild animal is a class C misdemeanor.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
$500 fine, immediate seizure, owner liable for sanctuary placement costs which can exceed $5,000. Criminal charges under RSMo 578.023 possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a bearded dragon or ball python?
Why are ferrets banned?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis
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