Ordinance to Amend s. 11.31(2)(z) and s. 11.31(9)(g), and Create s. 11.31(9A) of Chapter 11 Relating to Wild and Exotic Animals of the General Code of La Crosse County, Wisconsin



Hampson gave an overview and reason for the ordinance, noting it originated in February with public hearing in March, and since few minor changes added. If not approved in its entirety, an option could be to grandfather existing exotic animals based on complying with specified conditions. She noted national trend for such ordinances based on diseases transmitted from animals to humans. MOTION by Hampson/Wood to approve the ordinance as presented. Discussion followed.







Dr. Glasser spoke against noting such animals are not a threat to public health and public welfare. Hampson spoke in defense noting best for public welfare and safety, including animal welfare. Susan Gabrilska, Humane Society representative, shared incidents, most involving snakes. Geske as County Humane Officer spoke in favor of the ordinance. Kannenberg shared his mixed feelings noting some of the ordinance makes good sense. Lange said he used the Madison ordinance as the template. Naegele said the ordinance will punish those that take care of their animals and it will not stop the problems. Johnson asked for action, or offer amendments, or refer noting why and giving direction.







MOTION by Kannenberg/Scharpf to amend s. 11.31(z)8. from 6 feet to 10 feet, to read: “Constrictor snakes, whose normal adult size is 10 feet in length”. MOTION FAILED on 3 to 5 vote: Kannenberg-yes, Scharpf-yes, Johnson-yes, Naegele-no, Glasser-no, Wood-no, Billings-no, Hampson-no; Froegel excused. MOTION by Naegele/Glasser to delete s. 11.31(z)8. MOTION FAILED on 4-4 tie vote: Naegele-yes, Kannenberg-yes, Glasser-yes, Billings-yes, Hampson-no, Johnson-no, Wood-no, and Scharpf-no; Froegel excused.







Geske suggested the newly created citizen interest group come in and give their proposal. Discussion on referral. Kannenberg said it needs to go before the County Board. MOTION by Hampson/Kannenberg to amend by grandfathering existing animals and incorporate related new language as proposed by Lange, that being s. 11.31(9A)(b)2.a.-c., including under s. 11.31(26) Enforcement, the phrase “wild and exotic animals”. MOTION by Glasser/Kannenberg to amend the amendment, s. 11.31(9A)(b)2. to read, “Any wild or exotic animal possessed by any person as of July 1, 2004 to October 1, 2004, if the following conditions are met”. Motion on the amendment to the amendment carried on 7 to 1 vote: Billings-no; Froegel excused. Motion on amended amendment carried on 7 to 1 vote: Billings-no; Froegel excused.







Original motion as amended carried on 5 to 3 vote: Johnson-yes, Hampson-yes, Wood-yes, Kannenberg-yes, Scharpf-yes, Naegele-no, Billings-no, Glasser-no; Froegel excused.

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