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Ohio perrysburg alert
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by tigers9 on February 12, 2009
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http://www.sent-trib.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10989&Itemid=81
Perrysburg puts teeth in rules for exotic pets
Written by By CHRIS MILLER Sentinel Staff Writer
Thursday, 12 February 2009
PERRYSBURG - People with a penchant for pet snakes and other exotic animals could soon face fines and even jail time here in Perrysburg.
City council will consider a proposed ordinance banning "certain exotic and otherwise dangerous animals" within the city.
Under a draft of the ordinance, prepared by the city's law director, the list of unsuitable pets is long. It ranges from large or venomous snakes, like pythons and boa constrictors, to bears, beavers, lions, tigers, alligators, and a plethora of other critters.
The law would allow police to criminally charge any exotic pet owner. "It shall be unlawful for any person in the city of Perrysburg to keep, maintain, or have possession or control over any 'exotic animal,'" the proposed law reads, in part.
First offenders would face a minor misdemeanor, which carries a $150 fine but not jail time. Second offense would be a fourth degree misdemeanor, carrying a maximum $250 fine and up to 30 days in jail. And a third offense would be a first degree misdemeanor carrying up to a $1,000 fine and possible six months in jail.
The exotic animal would be seized and impounded. The cost of impounding and caring for the animal would be passed along to the offender.
According to Lt. Dave Weaver, of the city police division, the proposed exotic animal law will first be reviewed by city council's Service Safety Committee. The committee meets on March 4, at 5:30 p.m. The meetings are held at the Municipal Building, 201 W. Indiana Ave.
The committee will seek public input, particularly from pet owners, before forwarding the legislation to the rest of council.
Perrysburg's proposed ban mirrors similar exotic pet laws already on the books in cities like Bowling Green and Maumee.
Jeff Studer, Perrysburg's animal control officer, has spoken with members of the city administration and council about the need for such a law. Although an admitted animal lover, Studer said he's concerned about the danger many of the animals could pose to unsuspecting neighbors should the beasties escape.
Over the years, Studer has responded to a number of unusual animal incidents, including python and anaconda snakes, and a more recent case involving a local business using a bear for a promotional gimmick.
"With the Internet now, you can buy about (any kind of exotic animal) you want," Studer said. "You just never know what people are going to consider a pet."
He said the law will give police some teeth, so to speak, when it comes to protecting the unsuspecting neighbors of exotic pet owners whose critters escape.
"We just want to be able to help somebody if they have a problem," Studer said.
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