Wright County, MN Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Big Cats/Primates
- Barred (MN §346.155)
- Bears
- Regulated / prohibited
- Venomous Reptiles
- Prohibited residentially
- Escape
- Owner fully liable
Summary
Wright County cities and Minnesota state law restrict dangerous exotic animals. Under section 346.155, keeping a big cat, bear, or most primates is unlawful, and cities widely bar venomous reptiles from residential property.
Except as provided in this section, it is unlawful for a person to possess a regulated animal.
Full Breakdown
Exotic and wild animals are limited by a mix of city ordinance and state law. Minnesota Statutes section 346.155 makes it unlawful to possess a regulated animal, big cats, bears, and most primates, with narrow grandfather and licensed-facility exceptions, so keeping a tiger or a monkey as a backyard pet is off the table across Wright County. Cities including Buffalo and Monticello go further, barring venomous reptiles and other dangerous animals from residential lots and treating them as a public-safety nuisance. Common domestic pets, ordinary livestock on agricultural land, and small caged animals are unaffected. An escaped dangerous animal is an emergency the owner is liable for.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a prohibited regulated or dangerous animal brings seizure of the animal, fines, and possible criminal charges. The owner is liable for any injury or damage caused if the animal escapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a big cat or a monkey in Wright County?
What about a pet snake?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wright County
Compare Wright County to another location·View the Minnesota animal ordinances overview
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