Exotic Pets: Heath vs Newark
How do exotic pets rules compare between Heath, OH and Newark, OH?
Heath and Newark have similar restriction levels.
Heath, OH
Licking County
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.
View full Heath rules →Newark, OH
Licking County
Newark CO §618.22 limits any premises to no more than two restricted animals (or one vicious dog) more than three months old, and requires a $30-per-animal city permit plus a locked, escape-proof enclosure.
View full Newark rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Heath | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | ORC Chapter 935 | - |
| Effective | January 1, 2014 | - |
| Enforcement | Ohio Dept of Agriculture | - |
| Penalty Max | F4 felony, $10,000 | - |
| Code Section | - | Newark CO §618.22 |
| Animal Cap | - | 2 restricted (or 1 vicious dog) |
| Age Threshold | - | 3+ months |
| Permit Fee | - | $30 per animal / year |
| Enclosure | - | Locked, escape-proof |
| Breed Bans | - | None (repealed 2016) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Heath FAQ
Can I own a tiger or chimpanzee in Ohio?
No. ORC Chapter 935 bans private possession of big cats, bears, primates, and other dangerous wild animals statewide unless you held a permit before 2014 and meet ongoing requirements.
What snakes are restricted in Ohio?
Ohio restricts venomous snakes and constricting snakes 12 feet or longer. Owners need a state permit, secure caging, and bite protocols approved by the Department of Agriculture.
Newark FAQ
Are pit bulls banned in Newark, Ohio?
No. Newark Ord. 16-07A (April 2016) eliminated breed-specific language. Pit bulls are not automatically classified as vicious - the designation now turns on the individual dog's behavior under §618.15.
Can I keep a ferret in Newark?
Yes, but ferrets are 'restricted animals' under §618.22 - the household cap of two restricted animals applies and the city permit fee is $30 per animal.
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