Baltimore Announces Changes For Exotic Pet Owners

My father just yelled for me to come in and watch what was showing on the news just a few minutes ago. I'm in complete shock!


Baltimore Announces Changes For Exotic Pet Owners

http://img.viacomlocalnetworks.com/images_450779187/sm Richard Sher
Reporting


(WJZ) BALTIMORE Baltimore City pet owners who are raising more than 50 pigeons, or green iguanas or snakes longer than five feet are about to come under control of the City Health Department.

New regulations would require these exotic pet owners to purchase a one time $80 permit. Director of the Bureau of Animal Control Bob Anderson told WJZ's Sher "Like in Canton, years ago, lots of people raised pigeons. Now, people don't like the droppings on their BMWs and million dollar condos."

Seventy-year-old Francis Weber lives in Glen Burnie and raises and races 150 pigeons. He told WJZ's Sher, "I don't like these regulations at all. They could end up down here (in Anne Arundel County)."

People who want to give their opinions on the proposed regulations can now log on to www.baltimorehealth.org or simply Click Here for a link to the site. All opinions must be submitted before March 2, 2007.

That sucks Allison.. just be glad they have a permit that you can get.. rather than an outright ban. It's still not right though..

Be sure to send in your opinion!

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Originally Posted by Shelby

That sucks Allison.. just be glad they have a permit that you can get.. rather than an outright ban. It's still not right though..

Be sure to send in your opinion!

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Bingo and its a one time thing not a every year renewl.. Could be loads worse.

Sorry to hear it though

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Originally Posted by lillyorchid

(WJZ) BALTIMORE Baltimore City pet owners who are raising more than 50 pigeons, or green iguanas or snakes longer than five feet are about to come under control of the City Health Department.

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Does this mean you have to have more than 50 green iguanas, or more than 50 snakes over five feet to need to apply for the permit? Or is it just a wording thing?

Kim - I'm wondering that now too. I'm confused since I didn't catch the whole TV thing.

Do you live in Baltimore city limits??

Looks like it only applies to within city limits not the county.

Read the verbage of the proposed bill. The permits will only be issued for potbellied pigs, pigeons, and chickens...

But these are the guidelines for owning reptiles....if the animals do not meet those guidelines THEY ARE PROHIBITED.

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REPTILES:
PROHIBITED
Authority: Baltimore City Health Code, Title 2, § 2-106; Title 10, Subtitles 1, 3, and 6.
No person may sell or give to another person, possess, harbor or keep any of the following:
1. Crocodylia, including, but not limited to alligator, caiman, and crocodile.
2. Venomous reptiles that are harmful to people, even if devenomized.
3. Snakes over 5 feet long.
4. Lizards over 5 feet long.
5. Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) less than 30 inches long or over 5 feet long.

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The 5 foot requirement for snakes is a bit harsh. 12 foot would be appropriate and follow most other state regulations around the country.

Ah.. well that is bad. That'd mean no red tailed boas for one thing.. and some BPs can pass that 5' mark too..

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Originally Posted by Shelby

Ah.. well that is bad. That'd mean no red tailed boas for one thing.. and some BPs can pass that 5' mark too..

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....kingsnakes and corn snakes too.....

......I can only think of around 6-7 snakes off the top of my head that do not have the potential to reach 5 ft in length.