505.13 DANGEROUS WILD ANIMALS AND RESTRICTED SNAKES.

   (a)   For purposes of this section, “dangerous wild animal” and “restricted snake” have the same meanings as set forth in Ohio R.C. 935.01.

   (b)   (1)   Except for a restricted snake specified in Ohio R.C. 935.01(L)(1), no person shall sell or offer for sale at auction a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake.

      (2)   Except for a microchip removed for purposes of a medical emergency by a veterinarian that is qualified to provide veterinary care to the dangerous wild animal, no person shall knowingly remove a microchip that is implanted in a dangerous wild animal as required in Ohio R.C. 935.04.

      (3)   No person that possesses a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake shall fail to post and display any of the following:

         A.   On each cage in which a dangerous wild animal is confined, signs warning the public that a dangerous wild animal is confined in the cage;

         B.   At each entrance to the property where a dangerous wild animal is confined, a sign warning the public that a dangerous wild animal is on the property;

         C.   On each container in which a restricted snake is confined, a sign warning the public that a restricted snake is in the container;

         D.   At the main entrance to each structure where a restricted snake is confined, a sign warning the public that a restricted snake is in the structure;

         E.   On a vehicle that is used to transport a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake, a sign warning that a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake, as applicable, is in the vehicle.

   The signs shall comply with standards established in rules adopted by the State Director of Agriculture.

      (4)   No person shall allow a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake to roam off the property where it is confined.

      (5)   No person shall remove any teeth or claws from a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake, as applicable, unless determined to be medically necessary by a veterinarian. (ORC 935.18)

   (c)   Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree on the first offense. On a second or subsequent offense, such person is guilty of a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law. (ORC 935.99)