Snake leash law

[KMG]

While at first glance it does seem silly, the leash law there clearly covers ALL animals, and on top of that someone complained to Animal Control, so AC may not have had a choice in the matter. A lot of enforcement entities (Animal Control, Police Department, Fire Department, Building & Zoning, etc.) have a policy that if a citizen makes a complaint about something, and a law is technically being broken, they must take action. They don't want to be selectively enforcing laws, or get a reputation of not taking complaints seriously.

KMG, unfortunately EmilyandArlo hit the nail on the head... a LOT of people are ignorant and have a real fear of snakes. Same with dogs (granted, in many cases the fear of dogs, and the presence of leash laws specifically for dogs, is at least justified by something more than fear). Your attitude that they should just get over it will not win any of them over. We as a community need to educate them and be considerate of them, or they will end up thinking poorly of all snakes and snake owners.

I won't write such a ticket. Usually the only time an officer in mandated to take action is on a felony arrest. A simple class C ticket is most commonly the officer's discretion. Just because you complain to me doesn't guarantee I'll write a person a ticket. That's not how I work. I honestly probably won't. Now if the person is an arse they might earn themself a ticket.

As for winning them over. That's not the issue as I see it. They have the right to be afraid of whatever they want(this time it is a snake, but it can be anything) but just because they are should not interfere with others rights and freedoms. It is the bigger picture that concerns me but it all starts with little acts.

But in line with your statement this would have been a great time to bring the two together and maybe come to an understanding that it is impossible to put a leash on a sausage and show the complainant this snake is nothing to fear.