Baltimore Announces Changes For Exotic Pet Owners

Man that is just a stupid regulation to even have. People just try every angle to keep people from being able to keep snakes.
I just don't get why people are so darn scared of them.

the way the law works here is.

there will be no grandfather clause due to the fact that these animals are on the dangerious animals list. if you are found to have them after this law is passed they will come into your house and and take them. then you will have 72 hours plee you case ( wich does no good) then you animals will be put to sleep. this is why i am getting out of the boa biz as they just passed new laws here.

it is absolutly disgusting.

I have written to Olivia.Farrow@baltimorecity.gov. She is the one trying to pass this law. This would be a permenant ban on all snakes and lizards over 5 feet. No permits would be available for snakes or lizards only pigeons and pigs are allowed to get permit. I received an auto reply from her office stating they are reviewing this currently. PLEASE ANYONE and EVERYONE send an email. I live in baltimore and think this is a ridiculous law considering the many other health problems in this city. They can't even maintain a decent health code concerning retsaurants. i have also written and called various city officials. Please take five minutes and send a respectful email stating you think this is wrong even if you live elsewhere. Please help us in Baltimore keep our snakes. :salute:

Well, I don't live in Baltimore, but I sent the following to Ms. Farrow:

"Dear Ms. Farrow,

I am not a resident of Baltimore, but as a member of the herptological community, I am writing to you in protest of a proposed law outright banning reptiles over 5 feet in length. It has been mentioned in the law that it is partially due to health reasons.

While I understand why, perhaps, the city might want to regulate the purchase of iguanas (as proposed), the issue of snakes seems unfair. Iguanas can pose health risks (via salmonella), though only if the owners of said reptiles practice unclean handling practices. Also, many people are unaware that iguanas are really very poor beginner lizards--it would perhaps be more beneficial to require pet stores to warn prospective iguana-owners about their eventual size, often bad temperments, and nutrition requirements.

Snakes, however, I do not see as a health risk at all. Snakes are some of the most clean pets one could possibly own, when properly cared for. They don't shed, pee on the carpet, cause allergies or impregnate others of their own species (unless being intentionally bred by a breeder, or by irrisponsible keepers housing snakes in the same enclosure). They are quiet animals--they do not bark and disturb the neighbors.

Many species of "beginner" snakes, the most tame and harmless snakes, can sometimes exceed this "5ft" limitation. Ball Pythons (most notably females) can reach 5 feet, sometimes even slightly larger. Ball Pythons are one of the most gentle species of kept snake known. Even corn snakes, another popular beginner snake, and just as harmless as the Ball Python, can reach 3-5 feet and sometimes as much as 6 feet. There are many responsible snake keepers who live within your city limits who keep slightly larger snakes, such as boa constrictors, and they are very distraught that their beloved pets will soon be illegal and taken away from them.

I suggest that this law is looked into more closely. Responsible snake keepers, losing the right to keep the pets that they adore seems unfair. Baltimore legislators really need to look at this issue more closely. How would the legislature feel if suddenly cats were illegal? Or dogs over a certain size? Just because an animal has scales, does not mean that it is any less of a "pet" or any less beloved than pets with fur and feathers.

I thank you for your time and consideration of all of the issues.

--Kim Crandall"

Hope it does something to help.

well i got plenty of time until my next class so i'll take the time to write her an email.i find it disgusting to ban any snake that gets larger than 5 ft.even tarantulas and scorpions? oh this person is so asking for it.

well that was a rather long message but i hope it'll help with this situation.

Thank you Both :D

And anyone else that can spare the time.


:rockon:

well i guess it did some good.this is what she wrote back a few mins ago.

"Thank you for writing. Please feel free to pass the word along that our proposed regulations go to support a more than 20-year-old law that bans snakes longer than 5 feet. I have now come to understand that many people were unaware of the existing law.



We are open to revising the proposed regulations where it makes sense and where we are able. For changes in the law, however, legislative action is required.



Olivia"

Well she finally wrote me back personally instead of an auto answer email. I forwarded her a copy of the letter i sent to the city council along with other people emailing her seemed to get her attention.


Unfortunately this is already a law in Baltimore City it has been in the books for over 20 years. No snake over 5 feet may be sold, possessed, or kept. And there is nothing short of legistlation(sp.) that could change it now.:( Only the provisions for iguanas, pot belly pigs, and fowl have been updated or getting changed. And luckily none of my snakes are over 5 feet yet.:oops:

Well thanks everyone that wrote but seems we are about 20 years too late.:(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ziggy7

Well thanks everyone that wrote but seems we are about 20 years too late.:(

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Not necessarily...She wrote back to me personally, too. She said the following, after explaining the legislation was already in place:

"Based on the responses I've received, I think there may be a need to look at the code and possible legislation."

So, you shouldn't lose all hope :)