Ohio has one of the nation strictest exotic animal laws under ORC Chapter 935, enacted after the 2011 Zanesville incident. Toledo bans dangerous wild animals and restricted snakes, with Ohio Department of Agriculture permits nearly impossible for new owners.
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 935, the Dangerous Wild Animal and Restricted Snakes Act, was passed in 2012 after the 2011 Zanesville release where an owner freed dozens of exotic animals near Columbus. The law bans private ownership of big cats, bears, non-human primates, alligators, crocodiles, elephants, hyenas, and large constrictor and venomous snakes. Existing owners before 2014 could grandfather in with a state permit, but no new private permits are issued. Toledo Municipal Code incorporates these restrictions and adds local prohibitions on farm animals in residential zones. Legal exotic pets in Toledo include ferrets, most parrots, small lizards, non-restricted snakes under state size and species limits, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and aquarium fish. Rabbits and guinea pigs are allowed. Backyard poultry is regulated separately. Turtles must be four inches or larger per federal FDA rule. Violations of ORC 935 are fourth-degree felonies in serious cases.
Dangerous wild animal violation: up to fourth-degree felony under ORC 935.99 with animal seizure and disposal. Local pet-limit or zoning violations: civil citation $100 to $500.
Toledo, OH
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