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Keep up with news and features of interest to the reptile and amphibian community on the kingsnake.com blog. We cover breaking stories from the mainstream and scientific media, user-submitted photos and videos, and feature articles and photos by Jeff Barringer, Richard Bartlett, and other herpetologists and herpetoculturists.

Tuesday, August 21 2012

Proposed ordinance bans exotic pets from public places in Wausau Wisconsin

By Jeff Barringer
Tue, August 21 2012 at 17:05

The Wausau Wisconsin Public Health and Safety Committee voted unanimously yesterday to send an ordinance to their City Council that would forbid people from possessing any animal, with the exception of domesticated cats and dogs, in public spaces and parks. According to an article posted today on the Wausau Daily Herald web site:

Fed up with complaints from upset residents who encountered an 8-foot pet snake in parks across Wausau, city leaders took steps Monday to ensure no one sees any exotic animals at public outings... City Council members Lisa Rasmussen and Bill Nagle said they’ve received complaints from several residents about the snake. Council members have heard similar stories from upset bystanders: The owner of a boa constrictor let the creature loose in public spaces to measure the snake...“This is an easy call for the city,” Nagle said. “Dangerous animals should not be in any public areas.”

The proposed ordinance would restrict the animals from public places, but would not restrict private ownership in homes.

This is yet another example that officials are often prone to over-react when it comes to snakes, as well as that the irresponsible actions of a single person can and often do lead to consequences for many. The Wausau City Council is set to vote on the proposal on September 11. Read more on the Wausau Daily Herald website.

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There's no disputing that officials are biased and overreactive when it comes to reptiles--as written, this would restrict beardies, iguanas and tortoises, to name a few common critters I've seen people carry around on a warm day for an airing--and it would also ban harnessed, wing-clipped birds; ferrets and fancy rats (probably a few other harmless animals I'm overlooking.) And once again, it pays to point out that you're far more apt to get a serious bite from a dog than from a reptile.

At the same time, it's a shame that this had to become written into an ordinance, because this is a matter of simple courtesy: don't take your pet--snake, dog, parrot, I don't care what--where you aren't 100% sure it will be welcome. That's Owning a Pet 101.

#1 JS Argyle on 2012-08-21 18:11 (Reply)

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Tuesday, August 21 2012

Proposed ordinance bans exotic pets from public places in Wausau Wisconsin

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