Wrap: A Lion or Tiger would only cost a few thousand dollars to buy.

But Missouri's law, which will be put into effect within the next few months, mandates that new exotic pet owners hold a commercial USDA license.

That means there will be no more household tigers strictly for companionship.

The law passed in last year's legislative session after lawmakers saw Missouri as having some of the weakest exotic animal regulations in the U.S. 

Now exotic animal owners must register the animals with several local and state organizations and have liability insurance, whereas before the new regulations, there were little restrictions on owning animals like lions, tigers, and bears.

From the state capitol, I'm Sherman Fabes. Newsradio 1120 KMOX.

Wrap: If you wanted a pet tiger last year, it would have only cost you a couple thousand dollars to buy, but in Missouri, it's just not that simple anymore.

A law passed in last year's legislative session will take effect in the next few months to have stronger restrictions on owning lions, tigers, bears and other animals like that.

Before the new regulations, Missouri was looked at as one of the states with the weakest laws concerning exotic animals in the U.S.

The new law will mandate new exotic pet owners to hold a commercial USDA license and register the animals with local and state agencies.

That means they are using the exotic animals for business, like a zoo or breeder. 

From the state capitol, I'm Sherman Fabes. Newsradio 1120 KMOX.