Kansas Statewide Rule

Kansas Dangerous Regulated Animals Act Exotic Pet Ban

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Kansas (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: K.S.A. 32-1301 et seq.
Banned species: Big cats, bears, venomous snakes
First offense: Class B misdemeanor
Caging standard: K.S.A. 32-1306
Registration: Local animal control required

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes

Summary

Kansas prohibits private possession of dangerous regulated animals statewide under K.S.A. 32-1301 et seq. The ban covers big cats, bears, and non-native venomous snakes, with limited exemptions for accredited zoos, sanctuaries, research institutions, and USDA-licensed exhibitors.

(a) Except as provided in this section, it is unlawful for a person to possess, slaughter, sell, purchase or otherwise acquire a dangerous regulated animal. (b) On and after October 1, 2006, a person who possesses a dangerous regulated animal shall be in compliance with regulations promulgated by the United States department of agriculture for dangerous regulated animals, except non-native, venomous snakes, under the animal welfare act, public law 89-544, as amended and in effect on July 1, 2006, and the regulations and standards adopted under such act in effect on July 1, 2006, relating to operations, animal health and husbandry; and to provide adequate veterinary care for dangerous regulated animals. All dangerous regulated animals shall be caged in compliance with the provisions set forth in K.S.A. 32-1306, and amendments thereto.

Source: Kansas Office of Revisor of StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

The Kansas Dangerous Regulated Animals Act, K.S.A. 32-1301 through 32-1312, defines a dangerous regulated animal as any lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar, cheetah, mountain lion, bear, hybrids of those species, or any non-native venomous snake. K.S.A. 32-1302 makes it unlawful to possess, sell, purchase, or otherwise acquire such animals. Exemptions exist for AZA or ZAA accredited zoos, registered wildlife sanctuaries, licensed research and medical institutions, USDA-licensed exhibitors with circuses and fairs, and qualifying veterinarians. Owners exempted from the ban must comply with caging standards in K.S.A. 32-1306 and register with local animal control. The statute applies uniformly across all Kansas jurisdictions.

Violations & Penalties

Unlawful possession is a class B nonperson misdemeanor for first offense and class A nonperson misdemeanor for subsequent offenses; animals may be seized and forfeited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pet pythons or boa constrictors banned in Kansas?

No. The Act covers only non-native venomous snakes. Non-venomous constrictors are not regulated under K.S.A. 32-1301, though local ordinances may impose additional restrictions.

Can I keep a serval or other small wild cat?

K.S.A. 32-1301 lists specific large felines (lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, mountain lions) and their hybrids. Smaller exotic cats are not state-regulated, but city ordinances frequently prohibit them.

What if I owned a banned animal before the ban?

Persons lawfully possessing a dangerous regulated animal before the Act's effective date had registration grandfathering rights, subject to compliance with caging, liability insurance, and local registration requirements.

Sources

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