Dane county ban post poned...
The Dane county Environment, Agriculture, and N.R. committee meeting went better than I could have expected; We had a strong turnout of MAHS members and several of us had the opportunity to speak to the committee. Overall, I think we were well received, with the committee seeming to be genuinely interested in learning more about our organization and asking questions. They had actually not received the substitute ordinance or any of its amendments; the ordinance they had before them was the original that would have banned all "exotic" animals and everything under the sun. As of now, that ordinance is no longer on the table.
At their next meeting on March 6, they will be discussing the substitute ordinance based on the Madison ordinance that would ban venomous reptilia, crocodilians, and reptilia over 10 feet. While this ordinance is still obviously overly restrictive and unacceptable as it is written, MAHS hopes to continue working with the committee in lending our knowledge and expertise on the issue, as well as providing possible additional substitutes based on best management and husbandry practices of certain reptiles. They are concerned with having an ordinance in place to be used as a tool to address situations where there is a legitimate or imminent animal welfare, public health, or safety issues, but generally seem open to our suggestions to ensure that keepers will be able to contintinue to responsibly keep and sell the reptiles listed.
MAHS has initiated and exchanged information with Patrick Comfert, who was a DC animal services officer in attendence at the meeting, and he seems genuinely willing to work with MAHS as well. Cindy Steinle, it may be good if I got you his contact info as well.
MAHS hopes to be holding a board member meeting in [the coming week or two to discuss the next grassroots plan of action. Overall, Keep up the great work everyone!
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