Minnesota Regulated Animals and Exotic Pet Ban

Minnesota's Regulated Animals Act bans the acquisition or possession of bears, tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, and all non-human primates. Owners possessing such animals before January 1, 2005 could keep them by registering with local animal control, posting signage, maintaining liability insurance of at least $250,000, and meeting confinement standards. Transfer or breeding of grandfathered animals is forbidden. USDA-licensed exhibitors, accredited zoos, research facilities, and licensed wildlife sanctuaries are exempt. The statute applies in every Minnesota city and county and supplements rather than replaces local exotic animal restrictions.

Possessing an unregistered regulated animal is a misdemeanor; subsequent offenses are gross misdemeanors. Animals may be seized and the owner billed for confiscation costs.