Oklahoma State Statutes and City Ordinances Regarding Herps

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OKLAHOMA STATE STATUTES:
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Oklahoma Statute 29-4-107
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A. Except as otherwise provided for in this title or in the Oklahoma Farmed Cervidae Act, no person may breed, possess or raise native wildlife, except fish, amphibians, aquatic reptiles, aquatic invertebrates or exotic livestock, for commercial purposes without first obtaining a commercial wildlife breeder’s license from the Director.
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Oklahoma Statute 29-7-801
A. No exotic wildlife may be released into the wilds of Oklahoma without first obtaining written permission of the Director.
B. Any person releasing such exotic wildlife into the wilds of Oklahoma in violation of the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days or by both.


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CITY ORDINANCES: (Alphabetically Listed)
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Ada:
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Definitions and Laws:

Sec. 10-31. Keeping of wild, exotic or dangerous animals.
(a) For the purpose of this section, a wild, exotic or dangerous animal means an animal of the larger variety which is usually not a domestic animal and which can normally be found in the wild state, with or without mean or vicious propensities, including, but not limited to, lions, tigers, leopards, panthers, bears, wolves, alligators, crocodiles, apes, foxes, elephants, rhinoceroses, all forms of poisonous or large snakes, including those considered dangerous such as boas and pythons, lynxes, raccoons, skunks, monkeys, and other like animals.(b) It is unlawful to keep or harbor any wild, exotic or dangerous animal in the city limits as a pet or for display or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a fee, except as provided in this section.
(c) This section shall not be construed to apply to zoological parks or zoos, performing animal exhibitions or circuses licensed by the city.
(d) If the owner of a wild, exotic or dangerous animal can establish to the police department's satisfaction that an animal ordinarily considered as wild, dangerous or exotic is not dangerous to people or other animals and that the animal is healthy, safe and tame as a pet, then the city clerk may issue a permit to the owner to keep such animal in the city limits. The permit shall be renewed annually. The fee shall be set by the city council. For any animal so permitted as provided in this subsection, the owner agrees to accept full responsibility for the actions and behavior of such animal. The establishment of whether such animal is healthy, safe and tame as a pet shall be the responsibility of the owner of the animal by submitting written evidence to the police department. No permit shall be granted by the clerk unless written approval to the evidence submitted by the owner is submitted to the clerk in advance.
(e) The city may issue temporary permits for keeping, care and protection of an infant animal native to this area which has been deemed to be homeless. The city shall have the power to release or order the release of any infant wild animal kept under temporary permit which is deemed capable of survival.


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Alva:
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Definitions and Laws:

Sec. 6-5. Animals prohibited within city limits.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, harbor, maintain, or permit or suffer to be maintained any animal, as defined in subsection (b), upon any property or premises within the corporate limits of the City of Alva, without a permit having issued by the city as hereinafter provided, or if otherwise excepted under subsection (c). The keeping of such animals in violation of the terms of this section is hereby declared to be a nuisance against the public health of the city and such nuisance shall be subject to abatement as provided by law or penalty as hereinafter set forth.
(b) Definitions.
(1) Animal. Any horse, mule, donkey, pony, cow or cattle, sheep, goat, pig, hog, dog, cat, rabbit, chicken, goose, duck, turkey, peacock, swine, or other animal, fowl or reptile.
(2) Household pet. A domesticated animal regularly kept as a pet within a house or enclosed yard, including dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, caged birds or any other animal used to assist handicapped persons, but not including horses, mules, donkeys, ponies, cows or cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, hogs, chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, peacocks, swine, or other animals, fowls or reptiles. Vietnamese potbellied pigs shall not be considered household pets.
(c) Exceptions.
(1) Animals may be kept in areas zoned as agricultural or heavy industry, subject only to the restrictions of the respective zoning ordinances.
(2) Animals kept or treated at veterinary hospitals or clinics.
(3) In the case where an animal dies and it is necessary to bottle feed its newborn, the same shall be permitted for a period not to exceed 60 days.
(4) Household pets may be kept, subject to compliance with other code sections specifically applicable to the same.

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Ardmore:
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Definitions and Laws:

No applicable herp laws...yet.

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Bartlesville
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Definitions:

1. "Dangerous animal" means any animal other than domestic dogs and cats, which in the wild state is carnivorous or which because of its nature or physical makeup is capable of inflicting serious physical harm or death to human beings, including but not limited to:
Within the scientific Order Carnivora, animals of the scientific Family:
(a) Canidae, such as wolves, coyotes and jackals;
(b) Felidae, including but not limited to the genetic lineages:
Lynx, such as lynxes and bobcats.
Ocelot, such as ocelots and margays.
Panther, such as lions, tigers, leopards and jaguars.
Puma, such as cougars (mountain lions) and cheetahs,
(c) Hyaenidae, such as hyenas.
(d) Ursidae, such as bears.
Snakes, rear-fanged and constrictors, of the scientific Family:
(a) Boidae, such as boa constrictors and anacondas.
(b) Elapidae, such as cobras and death adders.
c) Pythonidae, such as pythons.
d) Viperidae, including both true vipers and pit vipers, such as adders, asps, rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths.

Laws:

Sec. 3-102. Dangerous animals prohibited--Exceptions.
A. Except as provided in this section, no person shall own, keep or harbor any dangerous animal in the city.
B. The provisions of subsection A of this section shall not apply to any keeping of such animals in or en route to a bona fide licensed veterinary hospital for treatment, or in bona fide educational or medical institutions or museums where they are kept as live exhibits or for study.


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Blackwell:
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Definitions and Laws:

Sec. 6-10. Poisonous or dangerous animals.
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep and maintain within the corporate limits of the city any poisonous and/or dangerous animals, including, but not limited to, snakes longer than 15 feet or over 40 pounds, bears, cougars, African lions, mountain lions, leopards, tigers, or any large, nondomestic cat over 25 pounds, wolves or wolf hybrids, coyotes or coyote hybrids.


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Broken Arrow:
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Definitions and Laws:

Sec. 5-21. Venomous reptiles, wild or exotic animals prohibited; exceptions.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to keep, maintain, possess or have under their control within the city any venomous reptile or any other wild or exotic animal.
(b) A wild or exotic animal shall be defined as one which would ordinarily be confined to a zoo, or one which would ordinarily be found in the wilderness of this or any other country, or one which otherwise causes a reasonable person to be fearful of bodily harm or significant destruction of property. Such animals are further defined as being those mammals or those nonvenomous reptiles weighing over 50 pounds at maturity, which are known at law as "ferae naturae." Wild or exotic animals specifically do not include animals of a species customarily used in Oklahoma as ordinary household pets, animals of a species customarily used in Oklahoma as domestic farm animals, fish confined in an aquarium, birds nor insects.
(c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to lawfully operated and located pet shops, menageries, zoological gardens, scientific research laboratories, circuses, nor veterinarians harboring such animals for purposes of providing professional medical treatment, provided that the animals are maintained in quarters so constructed and maintained as to prevent escape.
(d) The provisions of this section shall not apply to existing venomous reptiles or wild or exotic animals which are kept, maintained or possessed within the city on November 2, 1987, or which come under the jurisdiction of the city through annexation, if the owner or keeper thereof gives written notice to the city clerk within 30 days of the time when the keeping of the animal is under the jurisdiction of the city. This notice shall include the existence, genus and species, age and location of each animal, together with the provisions for the confining thereof, and copies of all state and federal permits which may be required. Annually, the owner of any exempt animal under this subparagraph shall further provide the city a letter, certificate, or other appropriate documentation from a qualified veterinarian, or by a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, or by the Oklahoma Wildlife Commission, or by the Department of Natural Resources that the exempt animal is being kept in conditions which are adequate to any specific biological requirements necessary for the animal's health and well-being, and in a habitat which is not cruel or abusive to the animal. Provided that said venomous reptiles or wild or exotic animals cannot be replaced upon death, sale, transfer or loss of possession for any reason including escape for any duration.
(e) The confinement of animals described under paragraphs (a) and (b) above, but exempt under (c) or (d) above, must meet the regulations promulgated by the Oklahoma Wildlife Commission and the minimum standards under the Animal Welfare Act and all applicable rules promulgated by the United States Department of Agriculture. In addition to meeting the above minimum standards, all such venomous reptiles and all such wild or exotic animals shall be confined, restrained and controlled in such a manner so the physical safety or property of any person lawfully entering the premises shall not be endangered; this shall specifically require fully enclosed quarters for the animal, so constructed as to prevent escape. In areas having a primary use other than agriculture, the quarters must be double-walled enclosures, adequate to protect the animal from the harassment or provocation of individuals, and must include both foundations and roofing materials adequate to prevent escape by climbing or burrowing. The city shall annually inspect the enclosures to determine whether the property complies with this section or contains a hazard to safety.
(f) Animals described under paragraphs (a) and (b) above, but exempt under (c) or (d) above, shall not be allowed on any public street, sidewalk or other public way, except in a fully enclosed cage or adequate structural restraint. The use of a leash, with or without a muzzle, shall not be considered adequate restraint.
(g) Any person, firm or corporation having the care or custody of any such animal in violation of paragraph (a) or in violation of the provision for exempt animals under paragraphs (c), (d), (e) or (f) shall be guilty of a class A offense. A separate and distinct offense shall be deemed committed on each day during which a violation occurs or continues.
(h) The provisions of this section are severable, and if any paragraph or part should be found to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.


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Broken Bow:
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Definitions and Laws:

Sec. 8-108. Keeping poisonous or dangerous animals prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep and maintain within the corporate city limits any poisonous and/or dangerous animals including, but not limited to:
(1) Snakes longer than 15 feet or over 40 pounds;
(2) Bears;
(3) Cougars, African lions, mountain lions, leopards, tigers, or any large, nondomestic cat over 25 pounds;
(4) Wolves or wolf hybrids; or
(5) Coyotes or coyote hybrids.

Sec. 8-109. Unlawful to keep wild or exotic animals; exception.
(a) It is unlawful to keep or harbor any wild or exotic animal in the city limits as a pet or for display or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a fee, except as provided this section.
(b) This section shall not apply to zoological parks or zoos, performing animal exhibitions, circuses, educational or medical institutions in accordance with any applicable regulations of the city council.
(c) The city health officer may issue temporary permits for the keeping, care and protection of an infant animal native to this area which has been deemed to be homeless. The health officer may also issue a temporary permit for wild or exotic animals if the owner or keeper can establish to the officer's satisfaction that an animal ordinarily considered as wild or exotic is not dangerous to people or other animals and that the animal is healthy, safe and tame as a pet. For an animal so permitted as provided in this subsection, the owner or keeper agrees to accept full responsibility for the actions and behavior of such animal. Proof of the animal's health, safety, and tameness shall be the burden of the owner or keeper.

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Checotah:
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Definitions and Laws:

No applicable herp laws...yet.

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Del City:
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Definitions and Laws:

No applicable herp laws...yet.

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Edmond:
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Definitions and Laws:

No applicable herp laws...yet.


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Enid:
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Laws:

5-7-5: CRUELTY TO ANIMALS; ABANDONING OR DUMPING6:
A. Injure; Allow To Suffer: No person shall maliciously or cruelly injure or torture any animal or needlessly extend the suffering of any animal from illness or accident by failing to provide necessary medical care and/or euthanasia.

B. Neglect: No person shall neglect any such animal under his charge or custody. "Neglect" shall include, but not be limited to, the failure to provide adequate care, water and food.

C. Leaving In Vehicle: No person shall leave an animal unattended in a vehicle when by such act the animal's health or safety is endangered. Such action constitutes neglect of and cruelty to said animal. Animal control officers or police officers are given authority under this section to enter said vehicle to rescue the animal where its safety or health may be in jeopardy. The entry may include unlocking the vehicle through mechanical device, but will not include the breaking of windows or the removal of doors without the owner's approval.

D. Abandoning Or Dumping: No person shall abandon or dump any animal.

5-7-9: LOUD ANIMALS:
A. Prohibition: No person shall own, possess, keep or harbor any animal which by loud, persistent and frequent barking, howling, squealing, hissing, yelping or other noise causes annoyance or disturbance to any of the citizens of the city.


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Guyman:
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Definitions and Laws:

No applicable herp laws...yet.


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Lawton:
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Definitions and Laws:

5-1-111 - Keeping of wild or exotic animals.

A.For the purpose of this section, a wild or exotic animal means an animal which is usually not a domestic animal and which can normally be found in the wild state, or which has not been deemed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health to have an established rabies quarantine period, including, but not limited to, lions, tigers, leopards, panthers, wolves, foxes, lynxes, or any hybrid of like animals, alligators, crocodiles, apes, foxes, elephants, rhinoceroses, bears, all forms of poisonous snakes, lynxes, raccoons, skunks, monkeys, prairie dogs, bats, and like animals.
B.It is unlawful to keep or harbor any wild or exotic animal in the city limits as a pet or for display or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a fee, except as provided in this section, and as may be licensed by the state wildlife department pertaining to wildlife rehabilitators.
C.This section shall not apply to zoological parks or zoos, performing animal exhibitions, circuses, educational or medical institutions.

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Lindsay:
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Definitions and Laws:

No applicable herp laws...yet.


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McAlester:
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Definitions and Laws:

Sec. 10-15. Keeping of wild animals, poisonous or dangerous reptiles prohibited; exception.
No wild animal or poisonous or dangerous reptile shall be kept within the city limits; provided, however, that the same may be kept for exhibition purposes by circuses, zoos and education institutions, in accordance with such regulations as shall be established by the city council by resolution.


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Miami:
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Definitions and Laws:

Sec. 4-104. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
A wild, exotic or dangerous animal shall mean an animal of the larger variety which is usually not a domestic animal and which can normally be found in the wild state, with or without means or vicious propensities, including, but not limited to, lions, tigers, leopards, panthers, bears, wolves, alligators, crocodiles, apes, foxes, elephants, rhinoceroses, and all forms of poisonous snakes, lynxes raccoons, skunks, monkeys and other like animals.
(a) It is unlawful to keep or harbor any wild, exotic or dangerous animals in the city as a pet or for display or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a fee. This does not apply to such animals kept for temporary periods of time for exhibition purposes only, by circuses, zoos, and educational institutions. The term "temporary periods of time" shall be defined as, and shall be limited to, a period of time not to exceed one (1) week per year per applicant. This chapter shall apply to any animal obtained after the effective date of this chapter, or December 3, 2007.


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Midwest City
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Definitions and Laws:

Sec. 8-171. Animals: keeping prohibited.
It shall be unlawful to keep, harbor, own or in any way possess within the corporate limits of the City of Midwest City:
(1) Any warm-blooded, carnivorous or omnivorous, wild or exotic animal excluding fowl, ferrets and small rodents of varieties used for laboratory purposes and excluding exhibitions of animals maintained by a zoological park.
(2) Any animal having a poisonous bite.
(3) Any pit bull dog; provided, that pit bull dogs registered with the city within ten (10) days of the effective date of this article [Ordinance Number 2205] may be kept within the city subject to the provisions of this section.


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Moore:
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Definitions and Laws:

SECTION 4-109 KEEPING OF WILD OR EXOTIC ANIMALS.
A. For the purpose of this section, a wild or exotic animal means an animal which is usually not a domestic animal and which can normally be found in the wild state, with or without mean or vicious propensities, including, but not limited to, lions, tigers, leopards, panthers, bears, wolves, alligators, crocodiles, apes, foxes, elephants, rhinoceroses, and all forms of poisonous or large snakes, including those considered dangerous such as boas and pythons, lynxes, raccoons, skunks, monkeys and like animals.
B. It is unlawful to keep or harbor any wild or exotic animal in the city limits as a pet or for display or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a fee, except as provided in this section, and except as may be licensed by the state wildlife department.
C. This section shall not apply to zoological parks or zoos, performing animal exhibitions, circuses, educational or medical institutions in accordance with any applicable regulations of the council.


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Muskogee:
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Definitions and Laws:

Sec. 14-28. Keeping of wild or exotic animals.
(a) For the purpose of this section, the term "wild or exotic animal" means an animal which is usually not a domestic animal and which can normally be found in the wild state, with or without mean or vicious propensities, including, but not limited to, lions, tigers, leopards, panthers, bears, wolves, alligators, crocodiles, apes, foxes, elephants, rhinoceroses, and all forms of poisonous or large snakes, including those considered dangerous such as boas and pythons, lynxes, raccoons, skunks, monkeys, and like animals.
(b) It is unlawful to keep or harbor any wild or exotic animal in the city limits as a pet or for display or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a fee, except as provided in subsection (c) of this section.
(c) This section shall not apply to zoological parks or zoos, performing animal exhibitions, circuses, educational or medical institutions in accordance with any applicable regulations of the council.(d) The city health officer may issue temporary permits for the keeping, care and protection of an infant animal native to this area which has been deemed to be homeless. The health officer may also issue a temporary permit for wild or exotic animals if the owner or keeper can establish to the officer's satisfaction that an animal ordinarily considered as wild or exotic is not dangerous to people or other animals and that the animal is healthy, safe and tame as a pet. For an animal so permitted as provided in this subsection, the owner or keeper agrees to accept full responsibility for the actions and behavior of such animal. Proof of the animal's health, safety, and tameness shall be the burden of the owner or keeper.


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Mustang:
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Definitions:
Vicious or dangerous animal means any animal:
(1) That inflicts an injury upon a human as a result of an unprovoked attack either on public or private property; or attempts to bite or attacks a human requiring that person to take evasive action regardless of the location;
(2) That, when unprovoked, either kills, bites or attacks another animal on public or private property;
(3) That is owned, trained, used, or harbored, primarily or in part, for the purpose of animal fighting;
(4) Which another governmental entity has determined to be vicious or dangerous;
(5) Having poisonous bites;
(6) That has been bitten by an animal or known to have been inflicted by rabies; or
(7) Any warm-blooded, carnivorous or omnivorous wild or exotic animal, dangerous or undomesticated animal which is not of a species customarily used as an ordinary household pet, but one which would ordinarily be confined in a zoo, or one which would ordinarily be found in the wilderness of this or any other country, or one which causes a reasonable person to be fearful of bodily harm, or property damage (including but not limited to nonhuman primates, raccoons, skunks, foxes and wild and exotic cats, but excluding fowl, ferrets and small rodents of varieties used for laboratory purposes).

Laws:

Sec. 14-5. Keeping vicious or dangerous, nuisance or diseased animals.
(a) Keeping vicious or dangerous animal. It shall be unlawful for any person to own, harbor, possess, or maintain within the city limits any animal that is vicious or dangerous as defined in this chapter, unless the municipal court orders the animal returned to the person owning, harboring, possessing or maintaining the animal under restrictions designated by the municipal court.


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Nichols Hills:
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Definitions and Laws:
Sec. 5-5. Keeping of animals other than dogs or cats prohibited; limitation on number of dogs and cats.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep, possess or harbor any animal or animals other than dogs or cats within the city.
(b) It shall be unlawful for the owner or occupant of any private residence in the city to keep or maintain on the premises more than four each of dogs and cats over the age of six months.


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Nicoma Park: (They don't define what a "wild" animal is. This is super vague.)
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Definitions and Laws:

Sec. 10-96. Wild animals.
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, own, or have in his possession, any wild animals or fowl.


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Norman:
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Definitions and Laws:

Sec. 3-501. - Keeping of animals other than dogs and cats.
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(d)Except as otherwise provided, no person shall keep and maintain, or allow to be maintained any exotic or native wildlife or dangerous or poisonous reptiles.
(e)Persons excepted from subsection (d) shall be:
(1)Duly authorized and licensed circuses or educational institutions;
(2)Agents or employees properly authorized by an educational institution to keep and maintain that institution's animals in connection with any lawful experimental or research program;
(3)Zoological gardens;
(4)Zoos which are supervised and publicly maintained.
(5)Falconry facilities that have a current license issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior, by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or a license issued by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation under the rules adopted in 50 CFR 21 of the federal regulations.


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Oklahoma City: (Kudos to OKC for at least saying venomous instead of poisonous)
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Definitions:

(3) Exotic wildlife shall mean any of the following animals:
a. a lion, tiger, leopard, panther, cougar, bobcat, ocelot, cheetah, margay, mountain lion, lynx, jaguar, jaguarundi, or any and all other felines (familyFelidae ), except the domestic cat (species Felis domesticus );
b. a grizzly bear, black bear, or any and all other bears (familyUrsidae );
c. a wolf, coyote, jackal, hyena, or any and all other canines (familyCanidae ), except the domestic dog (species Canis familiaris ) or the fox;
d. any and all venomous reptiles (venomous members of the classReptilia ), including, without limitation, Gila monsters (species Heloderma suspectum ), beaded lizards (species Heloderma horridum ), and venomous snakes (venomous members of the suborder Serpentes );
e. any anaconda (species Eunectes murinus );
f. any and all crocodiles, caimans, or alligators (familyCrocodilia ); provided, alligators kept in a secure container by a currently established commercial business on commercial zoned land pursuant to a State commercial breeder's license shall be excluded from this definition;
g. gorillas, orangutans, baboons, macaques or chimpanzees; or any non-human primate (orderPrimata ) that is not licensed pursuant to the provisions of Article VIII of Chapter 8 of this Code; or any non-human primate (order Primata ) that tests positive for tuberculosis or herpes B; provided, macaques that were kept or harbored within the City limits prior to October 12, 1999, and that are duly licensed pursuant to the provisions of Article VIII of Chapter 8 of this Code shall be excluded from this definition;
h. cassowaries (genusCasuarius ); or
i. any cross-breed or hybrid of any two animals defined as exotic wildlife in Paragraphs a. through h., inclusive, of this section.
Provided,exotic wildlife shall not include native wildlife that is living in the wild and is not owned or possessed or intentionally being kept by any person.
(4) Native wildlife means any and all species of wildlife that are indigenous to or occur naturally within the State of Oklahoma.

Laws:

§ 35-214. Keeping or harboring exotic wildlife declared a public nuisance; use of land for keeping or harboring exotic wildlife declared a public nuisance; keeping or harboring exotic wildlife prohibited; use of land for keeping or harboring exotic wildlife prohibited.
(a) The keeping or harboring of exotic wildlife within the corporate limits of the City is hereby declared to constitute a public nuisanceper se.
(b) The use of any land within the corporate limits of the City to keep or harbor exotic wildlife is hereby declared to constitute a public nuisanceper se.
(c) The keeping or harboring of exotic wildlife within the corporate limits of the City is hereby prohibited.
(d) The use of any land within the corporate limits of the City to keep or harbor exotic wildlife is hereby prohibited.


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Sallisaw:
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Definitions and Laws:

Sec. 10-11. Keeping of wild or exotic animals.
(a) For the purpose of this section, a wild or exotic animal means an animal which is usually not a domestic animal and which can normally be found in the wild state, or which has not been deemed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health to have an established rabies quarantine period, including, but not limited to, lions, tigers, leopards, panthers, wolves, foxes, lynxes, or any hybrid of like animals, alligators, crocodiles, apes, foxes, elephants, rhinoceroses, bears, all forms of poisonous snakes, lynxes, raccoons, skunks, monkeys, prairie dogs, bats, and like animals.
(b) It is unlawful to keep or harbor any wild or exotic animal in the city limits as a pet or for display or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a fee, except as provided in this section, and as may be licensed by the state wildlife department pertaining to wildlife rehabilitators.
(c) This section shall not apply to zoological parks or zoos, performing animal exhibitions, circuses, educational or medical institutions.


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Shawnee:
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Definitions and Laws:

Sec. 5-6. Keeping wild and exotic animals.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, harbor, maintain or have in possession or control, within the city, any poisonous reptile or other dangerous or carnivorous wild animal or reptile or any other wild or exotic animal or reptile of vicious or dangerous propensities.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, harbor, maintain or have in possession or control, within the city, any of the following animals:
(1) All poisonous animals, including rear-fang snakes.
(2) Apes: chimpanzees (Pan); gibbons (Hylobates); gorillas (Gorilla); orangutans (Pongo); and siamangs (Symphalangus).
(3) Baboons (Papio, Mandrillus).
(4) Bears (Ursidae).
(5) Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus).
(6) Constrictor snakes, six feet in length or more.
(7) Coyotes (Canis latrans) and hybrid coyote mixes.
( 8 ) Crocodilians (Crocodylia), 30 inches in length or more.
(9) Deer (Cervidae), which includes all members of the deer family; for example, white-tailed deer, elk, antelope and moose.
(10) Elephants (Elephas and Loxodonta).
(11) Hippopotami (Hippopotamidae).
(12) Hyenas (Hyaenidae).
(13) Jaguars (Panthera onca).
(14) Leopards (Panthera pardus).
(15) Lions (Panthera leo).
(16) Lynxes (Lynx).
(17) Monkeys, old world (Cercopithecidae).
(18) Ostriches (Struthio).
(19) Piranha fish (Characidae).
(20) Pumas (Felis concolor); also known as cougars, mountain lions and panthers.
(21) Rhinoceroses (Rhinocerotidae).
(22) Sharks (class Chondrichthyes), unless kept in an aquarium.
(23) Snow leopards (Panthera uncia).
(24) Tigers (Panthera tigris).
(25) Wolves (Canis lupus) or wolf, canine mixes.
(26) Any other wild, dangerous or undomesticated animal which is not of a species customarily used as an ordinary household pet, but one which would ordinarily be confined to a zoo or one which would ordinarily be found in the wilderness of this or any other country or one which otherwise causes a reasonable person to be fearful of bodily harm or property damage. It shall be unlawful to raise and/or keep more than five adult mice or rats at any given time.
(c) Subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to licensed pet shops, menageries, zoological gardens, exotic animal shows or sales and circuses if:
(1) Their location conforms to the provisions of the city zoning ordinance;
(2) All animals and animal quarters are kept in a clean and sanitary condition and are so maintained as to eliminate objectionable odors;
(3) Animals are maintained in quarters so constructed as to prevent their escape; and
(4) No person lives or resides within 100 feet of the quarters in which the animals are kept.


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Stillwater:
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Definitions and Laws:

Sec. 6-2. Prohibited in certain areas.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to allow or permit any fowl, including, but not limited to, chickens, turkeys, pigeons, ducks and geese, or any domestic livestock, including, but not limited to, horses, mules, donkeys, cows, sheep and goats, within one hundred fifty (150) feet of any dwelling, house trailer, hotel, motel, grocery store, supermarket, or food service establishment, except in a duly established A-Agricultural District wherein such distance limitation shall be fifty (50) feet.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to keep and maintain swine, hogs, shoats, or pigs within the corporate limits of the city; provided, however, that such prohibition shall not apply in any duly established A-Agriculture zoned district, but rather swine, hogs, shoats, or pigs shall be maintained within said A-Agriculture zoned district in accordance with the city's zoning ordinance.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any person to keep and maintain within the corporate limits of the city any poisonous and/or dangerous animals, including but not limited to snakes longer than fifteen (15) feet or over forty (40) pounds; bears, cougars, African lions, leopards, tigers, or any large, nondomestic cat over twenty-five (25) pounds; wolves or wolf hybrids, coyotes or coyote hybrids.(d) Subsections (a) through (c) of this section shall not apply so as to prohibit the use of any animal or fowl named therein for educational or laboratory purposes in any educational institution within the corporate limits of the city.
(e) It shall be unlawful for any person to release or abandon any nonindigenous animals, including but not limited to fish and reptiles, within the corporate limits of Stillwater.
(f) It shall be unlawful for any person to deposit any live dog, cat or other domestic animal along any private or public roadway, or in any other private or public place with the intention of abandoning the domestic animal.


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Yukon:
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Definitions and Laws:

Sec. 14-3. Keeping of wild animals.
(a) No person shall keep or permit to be kept on his premises any wild or vicious animal for display or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a fee. This section shall not be construed to apply to zoological parks, performing animal exhibitions, or circuses.
(b) No person shall keep or permit to be kept any wild animal as a pet. However, if the owner can establish to the police department's satisfaction that an animal ordinarily considered "wild" is not dangerous to people or other animals and that the animal is healthy, safe and tame as a pet, the licensing authority may issue a certificate of exemption to the owner which shall be valid indefinitely. The cost for a certificate of exemption shall be $100.00. In such case, the owner agrees to accept full responsibility for the actions and behavior of each animal. The establishment of whether such animal is healthy, safe and tame as a pet shall be the responsibility of the owner of the animal. Evidence tending to establish the animal's health, safety and tameness shall be in writing, submitted by the owner of such animal to the police department within five days of the owner's notice that he is suspected of keeping a wild animal. The police department shall either agree with, or disagree with, the evidence submitted within five days of receiving such evidence from the owner of the suspected wild animal. If it disagrees it shall state its reasons in writing. The licensing authority shall refuse to grant a certificate of exemption to the owner of the suspected wild animal if the police department fails to agree with the animal's owner. The owner of the animal may appeal such decision to the city manager within five days. The failure to appeal such ruling shall make the determination of the police department and the licensing authority conclusive such that the city may take all further necessary steps to see that its ordinances are enforced.
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Sec. 14-11. Vicious or dangerous animals.
(a) Keeping prohibited. It shall be unlawful to keep, harbor, own or in any way possess within the city limits any vicious animal. For the purpose of this chapter, "vicious animal" is defined to mean:
(1) Any animal having poisonous bites;
(2) Any animal that has been bitten by an animal or known to have been inflicted by rabies;
(3) Any warm-blooded, carnivorous or omnivorous wild or exotic animal, dangerous or undomesticated animal which is not of a species customarily used as an ordinary household pet, but one which would ordinarily be confined in a zoo, or one which would ordinarily be found in the wilderness of this or any other country, or one which otherwise causes a reasonable person to be fearful of bodily harm or property damage (including, but not limited to, nonhuman primates, raccoons, skunks, foxes and wild and exotic cats; but excluding fowl, ferrets and small rodents of varieties used for laboratory purposes);(4) Any animal with a propensity, tendency or disposition to attack, to cause injury or to otherwise endanger the safety of human beings or other domestic animals;
(5) Any animal which has previously attacked or bitten a human being or other domestic animal other than the type of circumstances that would be justifiable; or
(6) Any animal which has behaved in such a manner that the owner thereof knows or should reasonably know that the animal is possessed of tendencies to attack or bite human beings or other domestic animals other than under the type of circumstances that would be justifiable.



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SOURCES:
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http://www.lsb.state.ok.us
http://www.municode.com/Library/ClientListing.aspx?stateID=36
http://www.enid.org
Banner from www.okcherpsociety.com
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UPDATES AND CONTACT INFORMATION:
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If any OCHS member would like a city added, or has any other suggestions for this document, please
Email Michael Wilson at guts764@yahoo.com
or
Send a private message to gatsu7 on this forum
and I will update the document accordingly.

Did I understand this correctly? I'm planning a move to Moore or Norman soon. Moore says "large pythons" are prohibited. Balls aren't large pythons. Norman says keeping snakes is prohibited unless I can teach them to bark or purr. Is this correct? Anyone speak legaleze?

Scott,
My interpretation of the Moore and Norman ordinances, for what it's worth:
You can't have herps of any kind.
All of them are "exotic" and they aren't dogs and cats.

Snakeman wrote:Scott,
My interpretation of the Moore and Norman ordinances, for what it's worth:
You can't have herps of any kind.
All of them are "exotic" and they aren't dogs and cats.

Do I need a license or something?

Not with your current collection.
If you start keeping natives, you'll need a license/permit if you keep more than 6 of any one species of reptile and/or more than 4 of any one species of amphibian.

Thanks for posting this Michael!
So, when it says "no constrictor snakes over 6ft" for Shawnee's laws, is that supposed to be directed at boas and pythons, or is that supposed to include large colubrids that constrict (such as large rat snakes)?

"No constrictor snakes over 6 feet" includes colubrids.
Having said that, my guess would be that the "enforcers" of this ordinance will probably only focus on boas and pythons.......but that's only a guess.

Snakeman wrote:"No constrictor snakes over 6 feet" includes colubrids.
Having said that, my guess would be that the "enforcers" of this ordinance will probably only focus on boas and pythons.......but that's only a guess.

I would also guess that they don't enforce the law at all unless you blatantly do something to draw attention to yourself.

gatsu7 wrote:

Snakeman wrote:"No constrictor snakes over 6 feet" includes colubrids.
Having said that, my guess would be that the "enforcers" of this ordinance will probably only focus on boas and pythons.......but that's only a guess.

I would also guess that they don't enforce the law at all unless you blatantly do something to draw attention to yourself.

Good point. Thanks!

but it is slightly disconcerting that at any time animal control could invade your home and take your animals. Your animals that cost a bloody fortune and put them to sleep.

Scott,
This is a very sensitive issue with a few of our LONG TIME members.
On a few occasions in the past ODWC has come to the home (unannounced) and confiscated the herps.
They keep them until the "court battle" (should one decide to take it to court) is over and then, depending on the outcome, they are returned to the owner.
The "kicker" for a couple of our members, has been, the herps are not cared for (they are only housed) while the court deliberates the case.
Some of the herps have died as a result of this situation.

I found out some updates:

Spoke with Norman animal control: They seem very uneasy with reptiles in general and stated that ball pythons are not allowed at all. Which is pretty much what you have listed- just was hoping they interpreted 'exotic' a little differently.

Spoke with Moore animal control: (keep in mind this is only one animal control officer and you take your chances) They stated they consider 'exotic' to mean venomous snakes. They have gone and gotten venomous snakes from people. I asked him about ball pythons and he said he would only be called and get involved if it got loose or they had a complaint. I asked what happens if someone was just deathly scared of snakes and complained? He said I don't know its never happened.

Spoke with Noble animal control: They said section 4 -209 states no exotic animals allowed and then breaks it down somewhat by stating reptilia class to include boa, pythons, etc. So no go there.

Wow, I cant move anywhere!!! Maybe Moore and hope or be forced into OKC which for some reason my wife is dead set against. What a pickle

(close as you had to a pickle)

Edmond is a nice place to live, and there are no reptile laws other than the state laws.

sbender99 wrote:I found out some updates:

Spoke with Norman animal control: They seem very uneasy with reptiles in general and stated that ball pythons are not allowed at all. Which is pretty much what you have listed- just was hoping they interpreted 'exotic' a little differently.

Wow, I guess they need to got confiscate the BP's from PetSmart & PetCo then. Oh wait, they won't do that, they are gettin tax revenue from them. Glad I live in NO CITY LIMIT at all.

I live in Norman and most of you know what I keep!!! (SHHHHH...). Plainly put, I think the laws are in place only to give them "artillery" if a problem was to come up. As long as you are smart and safe about it...there should be no problem! I've always thought like Pat said...Norman groups it all together and plainly says "NO EXOTICS". This would include 90% of the inventory at both Petco and Petsmart!!!!!!

I'm glad I live in the country.

J&C Johnson wrote:I live in Norman and most of you know what I keep!!! (SHHHHH...). Plainly put, I think the laws are in place only to give them "artillery" if a problem was to come up. As long as you are smart and safe about it...there should be no problem! I've always thought like Pat said...Norman groups it all together and plainly says "NO EXOTICS". This would include 90% of the inventory at both Petco and Petsmart!!!!!!

My wife, being the beautiful intelligent woman she is, brought up that same point about petco and petsmart in Norman selling bps. I asked them about that and she actually told me they are in the process of changing the rules to not allow them to be sold either.

Well that's probably a good thing since they have those killer instincts and eat at least 20 people a year.

When we lived in tonkawa and they found out I had a burm I thought they were gonna burn my house down. I don't think it was "illegal" to have them but it was highly frowned upon. They told me not to plan on breeding them. They also said if I planned on breeding ball pythons id have to go infront of the city council and ask them. I thought it was strange. I will say again I'm so happy I live in the country and don't really have to put up with any of that.

Scott, If Petco and Petsmart are prepared to stop selling Balls and Boas to fall in line with "NO EXOTICS" they will also have to stop selling all of there lizards and tortoises...If ya wanna split hairs....an "exotic" is considered to be a non-native species....a good lawyer could take that all the way to an Angel Fish or Parakeet!!!

J&C Johnson wrote:Scott, If Petco and Petsmart are prepared to stop selling Balls and Boas to fall in line with "NO EXOTICS" they will also have to stop selling all of there lizards and tortoises...If ya wanna split hairs....an "exotic" is considered to be a non-native species....a good lawyer could take that all the way to an Angel Fish or Parakeet!!!

Ferrets, hamsters, the list goes on.

They could go as far as making them a pet supply stores. There is not a animal in those stores that are native.

Again I'm glad I live in NO CITY LIMIT, most of the guys at the GCSO know me and what I have. They also know not to get on my bad side. As one of them always says, "Don't pi$$ off your mechanic!"

Anyone know anything about laws in Newalla, Shawnee, Stella, Choctaw, Harrah, McLoud, Tecumseh, Pink, Valley Brook or Meeker?

Well I found out the only way I can make any sense of what the laws are in these "communities" that are not "cities" is ask who do they pay taxes to. The owner says OKC, I assume it falls under OKC city laws. If they say Norman, I assume it falls under the wicked Norman witch laws. Because half of Newalla is OK county and other half is Cleveland county. If I could find out if some of these places we are looking to move fell into Cleveland county but were not in a city limits, that would be awesome because that's where we are finding things we like. But no one seems to be smart enough to understand the map, including myself, to tell me so. We are passing up some nice houses and property because its in the wrong county because we are assuming it falls under the city rules. If that's not so, please let me know. Our real estate agent has no clue on the question either.