KCCI (Des Moines, Iowa) 22 September 08 New Iowa Law Targets Exotic Animals
Des Moines, Iowa: Des Moines police seized an alligator and two 11 feet long Albino Burmese Pythons from a home in August after neighbors complained to police.
"My concern is two-fold: certainly for the animals' welfare, and certainly for the public's safety," said Tom Colvin with Animal Rescue League.
The Rescue League took custody of the animals from police under a relatively new state law governing dangerous wild animals.
The ARL pushed for the law after having to deal with cases of animals that were so dangerous that even their animal experts said they were not equipped to handle them.
The state law now includes an extensive list of dangerous wild animals and heavily restricts who can have them.
The Iowa Herpetology Society, which for now is caring for the seized gators and snakes, is concerned when they're in the care of untrained hands.
"There are times, I think, when they don't appreciate the potential with these animals. The big alligator, like that one over there, could give you a serious bite. The big snakes, any constricting snake over ten foot, in the trade, is considered potentially dangerous," said Tom Weidner of Iowa Herpetological Society.
Police charged animal owner Larry Eddinger with four counts of possessing dangerous animals and another charge involving animal care and treatment.
KCCI attempted to call Eddinger to comment on the new law, but wasn't able to reach him.
If you have an animal that is not allowed under the new Iowa law, you can contact the Animal Rescue League. They'll try to find an appropriate place for that animal.
Learn More: If you're wondering what the state considers a "dangerous wild animal" and who can legally have them you can view the Iowa Code section here (http://www.kcci.com/station/17533116/detail.html).
New Iowa Law Targets Exotic Animals