INDIANAPOLIS STAR (Indiana) 17 November 06 U.S. Humane Society wants end to exotic-pet permits
The Humane Society of the United States is urging Indiana to stop issuing permits that allow people to keep wild animals as pets, saying such creatures pose a threat of injury and disease to their owners.
Diane Webber, director of the Humane Society's Central States Region, issued the plea after an Indianapolis man was charged this week with keeping 15 venomous snakes. The snakes were discovered after the man sought medical treatment for a snakebite.
Michael Fillenwarth was charged with possession of a dangerous reptile without a permit.
In September, a 14-foot python killed its owner in Lanesville in Southern Indiana.
Indiana residents can get permits from the state Department of Natural Resources to keep dangerous animals such as snakes, lions, tigers, wolves, bears and alligators.
"They're exotic animals -- they belong in the wild, not in our backyards and our basements," Webber said.
U.S. Humane Society wants end to exotic-pet permits

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