Minnesota Statute 346.155 prohibits private possession of regulated animals including big cats, bears, and non-human primates. The law preempts conflicting local rules and applies uniformly statewide, with grandfather provisions for animals owned before 2005.
Minnesota's Regulated Animals Act bans the acquisition or possession of bears, tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, and all non-human primates. Owners possessing such animals before January 1, 2005 could keep them by registering with local animal control, posting signage, maintaining liability insurance of at least $250,000, and meeting confinement standards. Transfer or breeding of grandfathered animals is forbidden. USDA-licensed exhibitors, accredited zoos, research facilities, and licensed wildlife sanctuaries are exempt. The statute applies in every Minnesota city and county and supplements rather than replaces local exotic animal restrictions.
Possessing an unregistered regulated animal is a misdemeanor; subsequent offenses are gross misdemeanors. Animals may be seized and the owner billed for confiscation costs.
See how St. Michael's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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