USARK Alert: Arlington County, VA

ACTION ALERT: Arlington County, Virginia

By USARK on February 26, 2017
This is a broadly sweeping and far overreaching proposal! It will outright ban the future ownership of many very commonly kept species and includes vague language which could be interpreted to include all species except dogs, cats, fish and birds.
The quick details:

1. Current owners will have only 60 days from the effective date to either register or "dispose of" each animal, and would thereafter be required to obtain annual permit for each animal kept. The addition of future animals would be banned (meaning you could not get a pet hedgehog or corn snake next year).
2. BANNED: Snakes exceeding four (4) feet in length;
3. BANNED: the following list of “wild or exotic animals” would be banned: hedgehog, sugar glider, all non-human primates, raccoon, skunk, wolf and wolf hybrids, coyote, squirrel, fox, leopard, panther, tiger, lion, bear, small wild cats including hybrids (meaning all but domestic cat, Felis catus), all crocodilians
4. BANNED: any other warm-blooded animal, poisonous snake or reptile or tarantula that can normally be found in the wild state (This is the vague language mentioned.)
5. BANNED: breeding of all above species.
6. All movement of registered animals (within and out of County) must be reported to the Animal Control Agency;
7. Deaths/euthanizations of animals must be reported
8. Failure to register may result in "seizure or disposal of the animal at cost to the owner;"
9. First-time penalty is Class 4 misdemeanor and fine up to $250 (per day). Second penalty is Class 3 misdemeanor and fine up to $500 (per day).

Full info and contact info for the Arlington Board at:http://usark.org/2017-action-alerts/...unty-virginia/

Control freaks.:mad:

This is disgusting. Has Arlington, Virginia forgotten it is part of the US or what? People can't stand for this BS. Would be interesting to hear what premise they are using to justify this.

Really rather harsh language to the responsible exotic keepers. Thank goodness for U.S.A.R.K.
Maybe the executive branch of government will step into this seeing as The Vice President of the U.S. and his family are part of the Reptile Nation and keep reptiles.

That is extreme !

That would rule out Ball Pythons even, as they would go by the "estimated size range". Not to mention most Boas, and even colubrids that are slender and long.

I hope they fight that with all they have, because I have heard of people in other areas of this country being given 10 days to get rid of their animals, and their pet ordinance was insane.
Interestingly enough, that pet ordinance was also quite fuzzy and unclear in part. Almost as if they want to leave themselves the option to fit a situation to their needs.

Scary, can you imagine. I would have to move. Some breeders spent decades to create, maintain and breed magnificent collections, have built the perfect setups. Only for something like this to come along.
Terrible.

The other case made me look up my cities pet and animal ordinance. Absolutely not a word about reptiles OR exotics. Just a lot about not having livestock in city limits.

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Originally Posted by JodanOrNoDan

Has Arlington, Virginia forgotten it is part of the US or what? People can't stand for this BS. Would be interesting to hear what premise they are using to justify this.

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I lived in northern VA over a decade ago. My friends and I referred to the city as "Arlingraad".

The impetus probably came from the anaconda-found-in-toilet news story from earlier this year.

This is awful news, and I hope it gets repealed or fought against. Makes me feel incredibly lucky that here in the United Kingdom our environmental agency are incredibly reasonable with regards to what you can and cannot keep. Although, I do wonder if we have an organisation such as U.S.A.R.K in the UK.

Someone probably did something stupid and freaked people out. Be good keepers and educate people about your reptiles.

That's absolutely insane! What snake can you guarantee won't exceed 4ft?

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Originally Posted by montymiow

That's absolutely insane! What snake can you guarantee won't exceed 4ft?

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I think that is the exact goal. I don't know what the average is but there are a lot of of what I would consider small snakes over four feet.

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Originally Posted by montymiow

That's absolutely insane! What snake can you guarantee won't exceed 4ft?

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Male savu python, if mine is any indication.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Male savu python, if mine is any indication.

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I'm a little ashamed i had to Google these, oh well Today I Learned :bow:

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Originally Posted by montymiow

I'm a little ashamed i had to Google these, oh well Today I Learned :bow:

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Don't be, they're not common and not legal to import any more.

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Originally Posted by Streller

... Makes me feel incredibly lucky that here in the United Kingdom our environmental agency are incredibly reasonable with regards to what you can and cannot keep. ...

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Can you (legally) feed live rodents?

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Originally Posted by Praomys

Can you (legally) feed live rodents?

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Live feeding is legal in the UK, as long as it isn't unnecessary suffering, pretty sure I read somewhere it was the 1910/11 act. Not too clued up on what would count as unnecessary in the eyes of the law though :confusd:

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Originally Posted by bcr229

ACTION ALERT: Arlington County, Virginial
l have only 60 days from the effective date to either register or "dispose of" each animal, and would thereafter be required to obtain annual permit for each animal kept. The addition of future animals would be banned (meaning you could not get a pet hedgehog or corn snake next year).

1. BANNED: Snakes exceeding four (4) feet in length;
2. BANNED: the following list of “wild or exotic animals” would be banned: hedgehog, sugar glider, all non-human primates, raccoon, skunk, wolf and wolf hybrids, coyote, squirrel, fox, leopard, panther, tiger, lion, bear, small wild cats including hybrids (meaning all but domestic cat, Felis catus), all crocodilians
3. BANNED: any other warm-blooded animal, poisonous snake or reptile or tarantula that can normally be found in the wild state (This is the vague language mentioned.)
4. BANNED: breeding of all above species.
5. All movement of registered animals (within and out of County) must be reported to the Animal Control Agency;
6. Deaths/euthanizations of animals must be reported
7. Failure to register may result in "seizure or disposal of the animal at cost to the owner;"
8. First-time penalty is Class 4 misdemeanor and fine up to $250 (per day). Second penalty is Class 3 misdemeanor and fine up to $500 (per day).

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Not that I am supporting ALL of this - however wild animals should never be kept as pets. I am a Va native and have snakes and also have raised 100's of wild animals.

Va is having issues with people breeding "designer" foxes and wolf-hybrids that people then dump or can't care for which makes me furious, also people watch the cute raccoons and such on youtube then when they find one as a baby they decide to keep it instead of turning it over to wildlife authorities. Witch in the end leads to the animal imprinting / becoming aggressive then being euthanized. Around the start of fall someone released a fenic fox (neighbor watched them toss it out the back door) because it was "messy". Another 'reptile collector' here had several alligators outside but never heated their pool this winter- animal control was called when they started to rot and someone finally noticed.

The vague language is most likely trying to encompass a broad range of animals that they just don't have time or inclination to list by the species. I also work in the exotic veterinary / wildlife field and the amount of stupid people trying to own these kinds of animals sickens me - especially when I see hedgehogs and sugar gliders crippled to the point of self-mutilation from malnutrition and improper care. I would rather these animals be banned than continue to allow them to be easily available pets.

No one needs these animals as pets, nor should anyone be able to keep them. Those of you on here that are responsible owners - would you rather have to do the responsible thing by law and register your pet / pay a license fee (which will discourage people who "just like big cool snakes / i wanna tiger" or have them available to every person who wants one on a whim and can't /is unwilling to care for it?? As for banning wild animals native to Virginia, that makes sense - especially since they are banning three of the top 6 rabies vectors (fox / skunk / raccoon). It is hard enough to get the public to turn over wild animals that they have "rescued" without them thinking it is ok for them to be pets, at least this way there is a law to quote.

*end rant* (could keep going, but then I'd just make more people mad)

If they're coming from a reputable breeder, the designer foxes are 4-6 generations removed from the wild at least, and would never be able to survive on their own, much like the bunnies discussed early. I'm not for banning, but I sure am for requiring a permit to obtain and keep, as well as a separate permit to breed and sell. Foxes are a lot like parrots, high maintenance pets that need large enclosures with both indoor and outdoor space and a good deal of mental simulation and socialization to keep them out of trouble. Like any exotic, not everyone should own one, only those really dedicated to the challenge and understand the needs of their animal. Raccoons however NEVER tame out the way foxes have proven able to do and should not be kept as pets. And ALL wild babies should never be collected or kept as pets; wildlife rehabs only if it's a baby that needs help!

I should amend that I am more focused on the mammals - because that is what I deal with on a regular basis. As far as reptiles - that is another thing all together. I don't think all species should be banned, but there should be some regulation that discourages people who are not willing to go all the way for care / husbandry / life span etc no matter the species. It's a hassle for us, but I'd be totally willing to pay a yearly fee to keep my snake

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Originally Posted by Lizardlicks

If they're coming from a reputable breeder, the designer foxes are 4-6 generations removed from the wild at least, and would never be able to survive on their own, much like the bunnies discussed early. I'm not for banning, but I sure am for requiring a permit to obtain and keep, as well as a separate permit to breed and sell. Foxes are a lot like parrots, high maintenance pets that need large enclosures with both indoor and outdoor space and a good deal of mental simulation and socialization to keep them out of trouble. Like any exotic, not everyone should own one, only those really dedicated to the challenge and understand the needs of their animal. Raccoons however NEVER tame out the way foxes have proven able to do and should not be kept as pets. And ALL wild babies should never be collected or kept as pets; wildlife rehabs only if it's a baby that needs help!

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I second that. Especially the part about raccoons and wild orphans (it's so hard to convince people that release is the best outcome for everyone involved). I have a friend in Northern Va and her clinic euthanizes foxes regularly for "behavior issues" since people try and treat them like house cats and they just aren't. I love foxes, one of my favorite things to raise, but man, I would never want one as a pet.

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Originally Posted by Crowfingers

Not that I am supporting ALL of this - however wild animals should never be kept as pets. I am a Va native and have snakes and also have raised 100's of wild animals.

Va is having issues with people breeding "designer" foxes and wolf-hybrids that people then dump or can't care for which makes me furious, also people watch the cute raccoons and such on youtube then when they find one as a baby they decide to keep it instead of turning it over to wildlife authorities. Witch in the end leads to the animal imprinting / becoming aggressive then being euthanized. Around the start of fall someone released a fenic fox (neighbor watched them toss it out the back door) because it was "messy". Another 'reptile collector' here had several alligators outside but never heated their pool this winter- animal control was called when they started to rot and someone finally noticed.

The vague language is most likely trying to encompass a broad range of animals that they just don't have time or inclination to list by the species. I also work in the exotic veterinary / wildlife field and the amount of stupid people trying to own these kinds of animals sickens me - especially when I see hedgehogs and sugar gliders crippled to the point of self-mutilation from malnutrition and improper care. I would rather these animals be banned than continue to allow them to be easily available pets.

No one needs these animals as pets, nor should anyone be able to keep them. Those of you on here that are responsible owners - would you rather have to do the responsible thing by law and register your pet / pay a license fee (which will discourage people who "just like big cool snakes / i wanna tiger" or have them available to every person who wants one on a whim and can't /is unwilling to care for it?? As for banning wild animals native to Virginia, that makes sense - especially since they are banning three of the top 6 rabies vectors (fox / skunk / raccoon). It is hard enough to get the public to turn over wild animals that they have "rescued" without them thinking it is ok for them to be pets, at least this way there is a law to quote.

*end rant* (could keep going, but then I'd just make more people mad)

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I'm just going to be the devil's advocate here and say that technically most snakes count as exotic pets. Also, there are plenty of responsible exotic owners that never get into the media's spotlight. Anyone with money can pay a license fee. Money is not always an indicator of qualification. Skunks also make great pets, and are not difficult to take care of if you put in any effort. Rabies is a problem, but dogs can also get rabies. There are vaccinations to prevent this. I'm not saying that anyone should be able to go out and get a tiger, but there needs to be some thought put in. I also really hope that as an exotic vet (or whatever you do in this field), you don't judge owners so harshly. If I brought my animal to you and was later called "stupid" behind my back, I can guarantee you I wouldn't be too happy about it. I understand where you are coming from, but you are painting everyone with the same brush stroke. A responsible exotic owner should not be punished for the actions of an irresponsible one. Just my opinion, and I'm fine with other people not agreeing.;)

No need to apologize :) Most people are responsible, I love my clients that know the work it takes in caring for any animal, whether it's a cat, a snake, or a rat. And you are also right that money does not equal care - unfortunately in VA our animal control officers are under payed and under-staffed, so it is hard to even charge people when they don't care for their pets (no matter what kind) and so they are the ones that get the spot light when something goes wrong. Honestly it's the few that don't care that often stick out most in our minds.

I don't even mind clients that do the wrong thing for the right reasons, those I can teach and help them learn how to better their pets' lives, often they are also the ones that are the most willing to do whatever is necessary to right whatever the wrong was.

It's the ones that don't care and obviously see animals as means for status or objects that really get my goat - but luckily they are few and far between :)

Guns & Snakes will have to be pried from my hands.. When we lived in VA for 3.5 years It was noticeably becoming more and more like NY.. What a shame.

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Originally Posted by Crowfingers

No need to apologize :) Most people are responsible, I love my clients that know the work it takes in caring for any animal, whether it's a cat, a snake, or a rat. And you are also right that money does not equal care - unfortunately in VA our animal control officers are under payed and under-staffed, so it is hard to even charge people when they don't care for their pets (no matter what kind) and so they are the ones that get the spot light when something goes wrong. Honestly it's the few that don't care that often stick out most in our minds.

I don't even mind clients that do the wrong thing for the right reasons, those I can teach and help them learn how to better their pets' lives, often they are also the ones that are the most willing to do whatever is necessary to right whatever the wrong was.

It's the ones that don't care and obviously see animals as means for status or objects that really get my goat - but luckily they are few and far between :)

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It's really nice to find someone who is respectful in debating these issues. Usually people have such polar opposite views that they are ready to rip each other's throats out. You sound like someone I would take my pets to see. :) I think licenses would be a good idea for some animals for sure. Are you a rehabber? I'm planning to get a rehab permit in a few years since I love working with wild animals, birds in particular.

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Originally Posted by FlynnTheBP

It's really nice to find someone who is respectful in debating these issues. Usually people have such polar opposite views that they are ready to rip each other's throats out. You sound like someone I would take my pets to see. :) I think licenses would be a good idea for some animals for sure. Are you a rehabber? I'm planning to get a rehab permit in a few years since I love working with wild animals, birds in particular.

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Thanks, I try to be respectful as much as possible. Hot heads rarely get listened to.

I've had my rehab permit since 2009, not too difficult to get here in VA, yearly conferences and symposiums help keep everyone up to date on medicine and techniques. It's been rewarding for sure. The hardest part is unlike companion animal medicine, you loose a lot more patients. The state dictates that an animal has to be fully functioning to be released, which can be hard - so if it is too hurt to survive at 100% - you have to put it down. There are also very strict limits on what can be kept in captivity for education animals, so even if you can technically 'fix' them but not enough to let go, sometimes the state denies your request for keeping it for education purposes. Also, many are not ok with captivity and are supper stressed - even if the state approves. If you can handle that, you'll do fine. The survival rates are what usually burn us out first, healthy orphans do ok - things that are actually suffering disease or severe injury can have a harder time of it.

I have a soft spot for predators - I leave the bunnies and squirrels for volunteers and prefer to deal with the birds of prey and reptiles.

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Originally Posted by Crowfingers

Thanks, I try to be respectful as much as possible. Hot heads rarely get listened to.

I've had my rehab permit since 2009, not too difficult to get here in VA, yearly conferences and symposiums help keep everyone up to date on medicine and techniques. It's been rewarding for sure. The hardest part is unlike companion animal medicine, you loose a lot more patients. The state dictates that an animal has to be fully functioning to be released, which can be hard - so if it is too hurt to survive at 100% - you have to put it down. There are also very strict limits on what can be kept in captivity for education animals, so even if you can technically 'fix' them but not enough to let go, sometimes the state denies your request for keeping it for education purposes. Also, many are not ok with captivity and are supper stressed - even if the state approves. If you can handle that, you'll do fine. The survival rates are what usually burn us out first, healthy orphans do ok - things that are actually suffering disease or severe injury can have a harder time of it.

I have a soft spot for predators - I leave the bunnies and squirrels for volunteers and prefer to deal with the birds of prey and reptiles.

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There's a much more thorough process for California...anyway, I'm trying hard not to hijack this thread lol :rofl:

true - you can always pm me