Illinois Statewide Rule
Illinois Dangerous Animals Act Bans Exotic Pet Possession
Key Facts
- Primary statute
- 720 ILCS 585
- Reptiles
- 510 ILCS 68
- Native wildlife
- 520 ILCS 5
- First offense
- Class C misdemeanor
Summary
Illinois prohibits private possession of dangerous animals including big cats, bears, wolves, and primates under the Dangerous Animals Act, with limited exempt categories.
(b) Dangerous animal or primate offense. No person shall have a right of property in, keep, harbor, care for, act as custodian of or maintain in his or her possession any dangerous animal or primate except at a properly maintained zoological park, federally licensed exhibit, circus, college or university, scientific institution, research laboratory, veterinary hospital, hound running area, or animal refuge in an escape-proof enclosure.
Full Breakdown
The Illinois Dangerous Animals Act (720 ILCS 585) makes it unlawful for any person to have a right of possession to a dangerous animal, including lions, tigers, leopards, ocelots, jaguars, cheetahs, margays, mountain lions, lynxes, bobcats, jaguarundi, bears, hyenas, wolves, and coyotes. The Herptiles-Herps Act (510 ILCS 68) similarly restricts venomous reptiles and large constrictors. The Illinois Conservation Code (520 ILCS 5) regulates native wildlife possession. Exemptions exist for licensed zoos, circuses, federally licensed exhibitors, research facilities, and licensed veterinarians. These prohibitions apply uniformly statewide.
Violations & Penalties
Class C misdemeanor; subsequent offenses Class B; animal seizure and forfeiture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a tiger or other big cat in Illinois?
Are pet monkeys legal in Illinois?
Sources
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