Wisconsin town sneaks through exotics ban after keeper is bitten

In a classic sneak political move, the leaders of the City of St. Francis, Wisc., have rushed through a ban that adds reptiles to their already long list of prohibited animals. The move was spurred on by the bite venomous snake owner, Jeremy Loveland received from his Gaboon Viper last week. They have not included any form of grandfather clause, so if you own any exotic pet, you are now in violation. They have also not provided for keepers to prove they have proper housing. These are the now banned reptiles:

Non-domesticated and/or wild animals; prohibition on keeping. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, maintain or have in their possession or under their control within the City any venomous/poisonous reptile or any other dangerous non-carnivorous or carnivorous non-domesticated and/wild animal, insect or reptile, any vicious or dangerous domesticated and wild animal or any other animal or reptile of wild, vicious or dangerous propensities. Specifically, it shall be unlawful for any person to keep, maintain or have in their possession or under their control within the City any of the following animals, reptiles or insects: - All venomous/poisonous animals and reptiles. -Crocodilians (Crocodilia), capable of growing to 30 inches in length or more. -Constrictor snakes, capable of growing six feet in length or more. -Snapping turtles.

There is also now a limit on some reptiles:

Exceptions. Section 339.23 does not apply to the following animals which are regulated elsewhere or which the Common Council believes do not pose a potential danger if limited to the number specified herein. All numerical limitations apply to the building structure in which the animal is kept. Nothing in this ordinance is intended to supersede existing regulations governing dogs, cats, and pigeons: -Turtles weighing less than 1 pound, excluding snapping turtles. -Non-venomous snakes capable of growing to no more than 5 feet at maturity, if not more than 2 in total. Snakes capable of growing to more than 5 feet at maturity are prohibited unless permitted under (1) above regardless of the current length of the snake. -Frogs, toads, geckos, salamanders, not more than 10 in total. -Such other animals as the Board of Health may from time to time determine do not pose a danger, probable health risk, or nuisance. All such animals determined by the Board of Health that do not pose a danger shall be exempt from the provisions of this ordinance on adoption of a Common Council resolution reflecting the Board’s determination.

Those in violation will be fined per animal per day. Of course St. Francis hopes to have the wording up soon, but you can download it here in word format.