Sun Prairie, WI Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Bans
- big cats, bears, primates, wolves, coyotes
- Constrictor snakes
- 6+ feet banned
- Crocodilians
- 30+ inches banned
- Also banned
- poisonous reptiles, bees, wasps, hornets
- Exceptions
- vets, zoos, licensed pet shops, 4-H
- First offense fine
- $25 to $100
Summary
Sun Prairie outright bans keeping poisonous reptiles, big cats, bears, primates, wolves, coyotes and dozens of other dangerous or wild species within city limits under Code § 6.04.130(C). Narrow exceptions cover veterinarians, licensed pet shops, zoos and 4-H or agricultural exhibits.
It is unlawful for any person to keep, maintain or have in his or her possession or under his or her control within the city any poisonous reptile or any other dangerous or carnivorous wild animal, insect or reptile, any vicious or dangerous domesticated animal or any other animal or reptile of wild, vicious or dangerous propensities. Specifically, it shall be unlawful for any person to keep, maintain or have in his or her possession or under his or her control within the city any of the following animals, reptiles or insects: ... 4.Bears (Ursidae);5.Bison (Bison);6.Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus);7.Crocodilians (Crocodilia), thirty (30) inches in length or more;8.Constrictor snakes, six feet in length or more;9.Coyotes (Canis latrans);10.Deer (Cervidae); includes all members of the deer family, for example, white-tailed deer, elk, antelope and moose;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 71).
Full Breakdown
130(C) makes it unlawful to keep, maintain or possess 'any poisonous reptile or any other dangerous or carnivorous wild animal, insect or reptile' or 'any vicious or dangerous domesticated animal' within the City of Sun Prairie, then itemizes thirty specific prohibited categories, including apes and monkeys, bears, bison, cheetahs, crocodilians thirty inches or longer, constrictor snakes six feet or longer, coyotes, deer, elephants, hyenas, jaguars, leopards, lions, lynxes, ostriches, pumas, rhinoceroses, snow leopards, tigers, wolves, poisonous insects, and even bees, wasps and hornets. Item 30 separately bans keeping horses, mules, cows, pigs, goats, sheep or chickens outside properly zoned districts.
130(B) exempts species on the endangered list only for public agencies, universities, federal permit holders and licensed circuses, while subsection (D) allows the banned creatures under veterinary care, at agricultural fairs, 4-H shows, judging displays, carnivals, licensed pet shops or zoological gardens, but only if the location conforms to the zoning ordinance, animals are kept clean and securely confined, and no person resides within one hundred feet of the enclosure. The ordinance sits within the range covered by the chapter's general penalty clause for keeping-restriction violations, so an officer who confirms possession can both cite the owner and move to seize the animal under the city's separate impoundment authority.
Violations & Fines
A violation of § 6.04.130 falls within the range governed by § 6.04.220(C), drawing a forfeiture of $25 to $100 for a first offense and $50 to $200 for a subsequent offense. The animal itself can be seized and impounded under § 6.04.070's general authority for animals kept in violation of the chapter, and the city attorney may seek an injunction to force permanent removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a large snake in Sun Prairie?
Are there any exceptions to the wild animal ban?
What happens if someone is caught keeping a banned animal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sun Prairie
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dane County handle exotic pets.