Ohio's Dangerous Wild Animal Act preempts local rules by banning private possession of lions, tigers, bears, primates, and other listed species statewide with limited grandfathered permits.
Following the 2011 Zanesville incident, Ohio enacted the Dangerous Wild Animal and Restricted Snakes Act in ORC Chapter 935. It prohibits acquiring, possessing, selling, or transferring listed species including big cats, bears, elephants, rhinos, hyenas, gray wolves, komodo dragons, and most non-human primates. Existing owners had to register by 2014 and meet strict caging, insurance, microchipping, and inspection requirements. Restricted snakes (constrictors over 12 feet, venomous snakes) require a separate permit. The Ohio Department of Agriculture enforces the act statewide; local governments cannot authorize possession the state forbids, though they may add additional exotic pet restrictions.
Unlawful possession is a first-degree misdemeanor for first offense and fourth-degree felony for subsequent offenses, with fines up to $10,000 and animal seizure.
See how Sunbury's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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