City leaders fed up with exotic animals in public places

Fed up with complaints from upset residents who encountered an 8-foot pet snake in parks across Wausau, city leaders took steps Monday to ensure no one sees any exotic animals at public outings.

The Public Health and Safety Committee voted unanimously to send an ordinance to City Council that would forbid people from possessing any animal, with the exception of domesticated cats and dogs, in public spaces and parks.

City Council members Lisa Rasmussen and Bill Nagle said they’ve received complaints from several residents about the snake. Council members have heard similar stories from upset bystanders: The owner of a boa constrictor let the creature loose in public spaces to measure the snake.

“(The snake owners) were there for no other purpose but to shock and awe,” Rasmussen said during Monday’s meeting. “The people that saw (the snake) were afraid. It’s scary for the people.”

The snake, whose owner could not be identified by city officials, is rumored to have popped up on The 400 Block in 2011. The owner let the pet slither its way around Marathon Park in July. Last month, Rasmussen got a call from shocked and scared residents that the snake had showed up again outside Athletic Park.

Nagle said he got a call from residents last month after the mysterious snake slithered near the Marathon Park Splash Pad, a popular hangout for parents with young children.

“This is an easy call for the city,” Nagle said. “Dangerous animals should not be in any public areas.”

Under the proposed ordinance, exotic-creature lovers still can keep their pets in the comfort of their homes, but can’t take the animals to dine at a Wausau restaurant or to play in a local park. Animals under the care of a veterinarian or in Wausau as part of the fair still would permitted within city limits, Rasmussen said.

The City Council will vote on the ordinance Sept. 11.
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