Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Here is a link to an article in the newspaper. Does anyone have any reasonable suggestions or ammunition that our Ann Arbor folks can take to the city council? Some of this ordinance concerning mammals makes sense but completely prohibiting reptiles as pets??? And the 12 animal limit would severely affect some people I know down that way.
Ann Arbor pet ordinance.

Yes, call the city and register to speak. Call reptile vets and ask if they would speak. Get pet stores, etc and other people who love their pets to speak.

Make sure that you note that NYC had an ordinance that they don't enforce and in a state that doesn't allow carnivals to give iguanasm, you can win a pet in NYC that you are not legally allowed to keep. Suggest that if they want to protest reptiles, outlaw carnivals in reptiles as prizes. If you email me I can provide the names of some carnivals in Michigan known to have iguanas as prizes.

If the issue is deseases, then settle for the pet store having to post a warning that proper hygiene is required.

Cindy

Some of that makes sense. Who really needs 12 domestic animals in one house anyways. 12 dogs or cats is crazy for one household. But I guess if your breeding the next westminster champion poodle you may have more then 12.

But anyways onto the reptiles. Do not offer more info. then needed. Or you'll only add fuel to the fire.

Besides talk of banning them they only metnion it once more. "City Council Member Joan Lowenstein, D-2nd Ward, said she supported the changes in the ordinance and was educated by a lot of the material Herrell presented on the dangers of keeping some animals as pets, such as reptiles."

So to me it sounds someone has talked about reptiles as spreading diseases. So you'll need info. like what diseases they are thinking and where the proof is? I find it strange they always talk of disease or getting sick from reptiles. i can get sick by doing many other things surrounding me 24/7 are they going to ban that? Is it going to be banned that no more then one person can use a toilet and after that we have to irradicate it or throw it out?? Or are they going to pull poultry off the shelfs cause it may have salmonella, or hey chickens and birds are the carrier for many virus's and diseases that mosquiotoes pass to us. Should we ban all birds, chickens, etc.??

Just let them see your passionate about keeping reptiles and give them good reasons why you keep them, how they help educate, why it is needed, etc. etc. bring up that venomous reptiles are milked for anti venom production. There are plenty of ways you can take this. Just be sure to get more then just yourself involved ask herp societies in your area and elsewhere.

I for one will be happy to help in anyway that I can. I have already called and written to NY, and Chicago as well as Hillsborough.

Good luck

Joan Lowenstein (D)
JLowenstein@ci.ann-arbor.mi.us

Here's the link to the city council web page - please use official channels only - no calling anyone at work or home. Also remember to be polite and use your spell check if e-mailing or using the USPS.

http://www.ci.ann-arbor.mi.us/council.html

Katrina

Also, here in MD, a person selling reptiles has to follow the following regs, which include posting a sign according to the following:

(2) A person may sell turtles with a carapace length of 4 inches or more and other live reptiles in Maryland if:

(a) A caution notice with the text as indicated in §C of this regulation is:

(i) Posted by the person selling reptiles;
(ii) Posted within 3 feet of each display of reptiles; and
(iii) A minimum of 8 x 11 inches in size; and

(b) At the time of the sale of a reptile, the seller:

(i) Furnishes the buyer with a copy of the caution notice, or
(ii) Has the buyer sign a log or statement that the buyer has read the caution notice.

C. Caution Notice. A person who sells reptiles shall post a caution notice that:

(1) Is in 4 parts, each separated by a horizontal 4-point rule;

(2) In part 1 has the word "Caution" set in 100-point Times Roman Bold;

(3) In part 2 has the following paragraph set in 30-point Times Roman: "Reptiles and other pets may carry and transmit germs (including Salmonella) to humans. It is important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling reptiles and other pets or coming in contact with their water, food, housing material, or container. Do not allow pet water, food, or housing material to come in contact with your food or areas where food is prepared.";

(4) In part 3 has the following sentence set in 42-point Times Roman Bold: "Provide your reptiles and other pets with a clean home, a suitable diet, and other proper care."; and

(5) In part 4 has the following sentence set in 30-point Times Roman: "If you or any member of your family is prone to or has serious health problems or is pregnant or your family includes a child younger than 5 years old, it is suggested that you consult your physician before purchase."

According to the Ann Arbor News, a revised ordinance was passed. Reptiles are still legal, but there is now a limit of 12 pets per household, with grandfathering.

Katrina

Thanks - I wasn't able to find any updates on what happened, and was getting nervous.