Wyoming Code Chapter 6 (Animals) addresses dangerous and wild animals through general nuisance and restraint provisions, and Chapter 90 (Zoning) does not list exotic species as a customary residential accessory use. Statewide, the Michigan Large Carnivore Act (2000 PA 274, MCL 287.1101 et seq.) prohibits acquisition and possession of big cats and bears as pets and grandfathered pre-2000 owners only under strict MDARD permits. Michigan also prohibits possession of wolf-dog hybrids and dangerous reptiles under separate state statutes.
Wyoming's local enforcement runs through Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances at https://library.municode.com/mi/wyoming/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH6AN, which addresses dangerous and at-large animals and provides the local nuisance hook for exotic species kept in residential settings. Michigan state law adds significant species-specific prohibitions. The Michigan Large Carnivore Act, 2000 PA 274, codified at MCL 287.1101 through MCL 287.1123 (https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-act-274-of-2000.pdf and https://www.animallaw.info/statute/mi-exotic-pets-chapter-287-animal-industry-large-carnivore-act), bans acquisition and possession of large carnivores — defined as any lion, leopard (including snow and clouded leopard), jaguar, tiger, cougar/panther, cheetah, or bear, whether wild, captive bred, or hybrid. The Act grandfathered pre-2000 owners only under strict MDARD permits with caging, transport, and rabies-exposure protocols. The Wolf-Dog Cross Act (2000 PA 246, MCL 287.1001 et seq.) similarly bans new acquisition of wolf-dog hybrids in Michigan. The Large Carnivore Act is enforced by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; violations carry misdemeanor penalties with potential fines up to $1,000 and seizure of the animal. Common household pets such as ferrets, parrots, rabbits, non-venomous reptiles, and most small mammals are not 'large carnivores' under state law and do not require MDARD permits, though Wyoming Code Compliance retains the local nuisance hook under Chapter 6 if any species is kept in a way that disturbs neighbors. Anyone considering an unusual pet should call Wyoming Code Compliance at 616-530-7226 and MDARD Animal Industry Division before purchase.
Keeping a dangerous or wild animal in Wyoming in violation of Chapter 6 is a municipal civil infraction with fines typically $100 to $500 plus abatement orders. Possessing a large carnivore under MCL 287.1101 et seq. without a grandfathered MDARD permit is a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000, up to 90 days jail, and seizure of the animal by MDARD or Kent County Animal Control. Wolf-dog hybrid violations under MCL 287.1001 et seq. carry similar penalties. Animals seized for public-safety reasons are placed with state-licensed wildlife sanctuaries or euthanized at the owner's expense.
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