Washington Dangerous Wild Animal Possession Ban Statewide

RCW 16.30.020 makes it unlawful for any person to own, possess, breed, or transfer dangerous wild animals as defined in RCW 16.30.010, including lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, bears, hyenas, wolves, nonhuman primates, elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, and certain reptiles. Exemptions exist for AZA-accredited zoos, licensed research facilities, and animals lawfully owned before July 22, 2007 if registered. Local jurisdictions retain authority to enact stricter rules but cannot weaken the state ban.

Possession of a dangerous wild animal is a gross misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class C felony for subsequent violations under RCW 16.30.050, with mandatory animal seizure and forfeiture of equipment.