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.

True that.. I didn't even think of the colubrids.

Here is a better & longer artical on it:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/loc...,1576606.story


City takes aim at your iguana

Rules for exotic pets would require permits for pigeons and pot-bellied pigs, but bears would be out
By Sumathi Reddy
Sun reporter
Originally published February 6, 2007

Chickens are in. Roosters, ducks and other such fair-feathered fowl - out.

One beehive is OK, as are 50 pigeons and Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, albeit no more than 22 inches and 150 pounds. But say goodbye to caiman and snakes and lizards over 5 feet long. And that favorite of urban city pets, green iguanas? Fine, so long as they are between 30 inches and 5 feet long.

And don't even think about getting a bear.

Such are the proposed regulations handed down from the city's Health Department on exotic and farm animals, a long-nebulous area in the city code.

The Health Department is allowing public comments on the proposed regulations for 30 days, through March 2.

The regulations would also require a one-time $80 permit fee for chickens, pigeons and Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs.

Health officials expect the most resistance to come from pigeon fanciers and iguana lovers. The new regulations would allow up to 50 pigeons per residence, a rule that could ruffle a few feathers.

"Yes, we're concerned," said Charles Ray, 60, president of the South Baltimore Social Club, part of the Baltimore Pigeon Fanciers Club.

Ray, who lives in Pasadena, says that most pigeon racers have anywhere from 65 to 200 birds. Though the sport is no longer as popular in the city as it once was, there are still old-timers who cling to it.

"If it's just something they're just throwing into the book ... then I don't think it's fair," he said. "I would like to know why."

Health Department officials say the proposal stemmed from residents' complaints about the noise and unsanitary conditions of various animals, and their own concerns about infectious diseases.

The regulations are the implementation of a City Council bill that passed and was signed into law last year.

"It's really important because we're seeing a growing number of persons in the city trying to harbor these types of animals," said Olivia Farrow, assistant commissioner for environmental health. "And we're really worried about the health of the animals themselves."

Previously, the city had no exotic- or farm-animal code. Instead, officials used zoning or nuisance violations to fine residents, a rather cumbersome task.

"This gives us a little more leverage, enforcement-wise," Farrow said.

Bob Anderson, the city's director of animal control, needs it.

Anderson has seen it all. His department responds to 30,000 calls a year, though exotic- or farm-animal calls number in the hundreds. Complaints include cooing pigeons, buzzing beehives and crowing roosters. More unusual ones include the two pigs living in a backyard in Northeast Baltimore last summer and the call from neighbors living next to a man who had nine sheep in Northwest Baltimore and was slaughtering them.

"There's never a dull moment," he said.



Then there's his most unusual discovery: the alligator found in a bathtub years ago. Alligators are banned under state law.

Anderson expects opposition from pigeon and iguana owners. The proposed regulations would ban green iguanas less than 30 inches long and more than 5 feet long.

Farrow said the smaller ones would be banned because often people buy iguanas unaware of how large they'll become. If they buy an adult iguana, they might have a clearer understanding of how big they can grow, she said. Also, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, iguanas shed salmonella bacteria in their feces. Baby iguanas are more likely to crawl over people, creating a greater likelihood that they will be exposed to salmonella, Farrow said.

"Green iguanas are the most common lizard turned in to the shelter because people are not prepared for how big they get and how much work is involved in keeping them healthy," she said.

But the restrictions on snakes and iguanas seemed rather arbitrary to Brian O'Neill, owner of Wet Pet & Reptile Center in Essex. O'Neill said iguanas are a popular item in his shop. He said that people can have bigger types of iguanas that are friendly and smaller breeds that are much more dangerous, saying the same logic applies to snakes.

Corn snakes, for example, can get to be 6 feet long but are an inch or less in diameter, he said. On Thursday, he said, he sold a 6-foot-long and 7-foot-long Burmese python.

"It just seems ridiculous to me," he said of the regulations.

Health officials note that the regulations could change depending on citizen input.





sumathi.reddy@baltsun.com
For a full listing of the proposed regulations, go to http://baltimorehealth.org/press/200...AnimalRegs.pdf. Comments on the rules should be sent to Assistant Commissioner Olivia Farrow at Environmental Health, 210 Guilford Ave., second floor, Baltimore 21202, or by e-mail to olivia.farrow@baltimorecity.gov.

There's no way that I would be allowed to live in that county without the $80 permit, because many of my snakes pass the snake length limit by far and also, that number of pigeons is a small number for pigeon fanciers such as myself.

I don't understand how they think that owning snakes over 5 feet is unsanitary? Snakes, when cared for properly, are probably one of the cleaner pets around wouldn't you say?

Also just looking more into I see that Herps are NOT on the permit list. So I'm screwed, unless or till I move out of Baltimore City.

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Originally Posted by lillyorchid

Also just looking more into I see that Herps are NOT on the permit list. So I'm screwed, unless or till I move out of Baltimore City.

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There's nothing in that law about grandfathering in people who already have "banned" animals? Is the law even passed yet? You might be able to protest it if it's still only in the works.

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Originally Posted by AzureN1ght

There's nothing in that law about grandfathering in people who already have "banned" animals? Is the law even passed yet? You might be able to protest it if it's still only in the works.

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Not that I can find. Looks like if this passes all snakes that reach 5 feet or over will be straight out banned. It's not passed yrt, we have 1 month to write in and let these people know our feelings on this matter.

I have a nice letter in the works at the moment.

I also think outlawing all scorpions and tarantulas is a bit extreme...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lillyorchid

Also just looking more into I see that Herps are NOT on the permit list. So I'm screwed, unless or till I move out of Baltimore City.

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I didn't realize w/ you having horses and such that you lived within city limits.
Man that stinks :(

My house is in Baltimore city, a few blocks away from the Baltimore City/County line. The horse(s) I ride and the farm I ride at is up in Harford County.

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.:(

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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 :)

Wow that is promising. Hopefully....

I wrote her back and thanked her for her time, etc. It would be nice to change that archaic law. Because my jungle won't stay under 5 feet forever :P

Thanks again everyone.


:rockon:

FYI, Most cities have some sort of law on the size snake/reptile that can be kept in city limits. The larger cities tend to have shorter sizes. Most laws have been in place for many years but have never been enforced. This came into effect for one of the reptile shows in Philadelphia. The show was shut down after the first year due to a law about 6'(?) snakes.

Most likely, what happened here is somebody in Baltimore must have ton of birds they are keeping and some one that has connections complained about it. The same for the pigs.

I would write in and try to get things changed or better clear cut as to what snakes can be kept.

Well all comments were supposed to be in by Friday. They're suppose to be going over things now. So I guess some sort of information to be available this week...

Please hope this does not pass.
I don't want to have to find a new home for my boa and I know a lot of other reptile owners don't want to give up their's either.

This is exactly how NY started. It's all down hill now, I'm truly sorry. Politicians do not listen to anything you send without fact and documentation, and that only gets a eyebrow raise. Good luck, but I have a feeling you'll be seeing bans within a few years or so.