KFYR (Bismark, N Dakota) 21 January 05 Venomous Snakes Bill (Mark Lyman)
Sometimes a law is made to protect people from themselves .... or from people with venomous snakes.
The house political subdivisions committee heard testimony today regarding bill 13-26.
The bill would make it illegal to possess a live venomous snake in the state.
The bill stems from an incident in Bismarck over the summer. Two men were keeping four venomous snakes in their apartment.
The bill would allow the state veterinarian to give out permits to keep a snake for educational purposes, research or display at zoos.
Rep. Margaret Sitte: "Our golden retriever, Teddy, who's nearly 15 years old will tell you I love pets as much as anyone. But, these venomous snakes however present a hazard to the health of North Dakota citizens and belong only in trained hands and I urge you to support this bill."
While many of the cities in North Dakota have laws for snakes, this would be the first law covering the entire state.
Venomous Snakes Bill