Proposed ordinance bans exotic pets from public places in Wausau Wisconsin
By Jeff Barringer · August 21, 2012 5:05 pm
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.
