Oregon Bans Private Possession of Exotic Animals

Under ORS 609.305 through 609.335, Oregonians may not possess, import, or sell exotic animals defined to include large non-domestic felines (lions, tigers, cheetahs), non-wolf canids, bears (except black bears under permit), non-human primates, and crocodilians. Persons who lawfully owned such animals before the 2009 prohibition could keep them under permit but cannot replace or breed them. The Oregon Department of Agriculture administers permits for service, exhibition, and research uses. Native wildlife is separately regulated by ODFW under ORS 497.298. The statewide ban applies uniformly; cities may add stricter rules but cannot authorize prohibited species.

Possession is a Class A misdemeanor under ORS 609.335, punishable by up to 364 days jail and $6,250 fine. Animals are subject to seizure and forfeiture at owner expense.