MANSFIELD NEWS JOURNAL (Ohio) 11 February 05 Snake bite may lead to pet controls
Editorial: The issue: Crawford County man bitten by venomous pet snake
Our opinion: Township trustees must consider whether new laws are necessary to protect citizens from dangerous pets
Those who own snakes or other dangerous pets need to handle them with care. That might sound like a huge understatement, but not in light of last weekend's events.
If they are unable to, then legislation might be needed to protect residents such as Phil Gallant.
Gallant, 43, of 1940 Broken Sword Road, Lykens Township, was bitten by one of the most venomous snakes in the world -- the rhinoceros viper, whose bite can be lethal. Gallant was in fair condition earlier this week at The University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was treated with the anti-venom.
The problem exists because Crawford County, like most others in rural Ohio, do not have the manpower to enforce exotic animal regulations. Thus, those who have snakes and other animals as pets must take great precaution.
Lykens Township Trustee David Young said the township has no way to enforce an exotic pet law even if trustees enacted one. He said trustees likely will discuss the incident when they meet next week.
This isn't the first incident involving an exotic animal in Crawford County. That's why we think it might be time for some action.
Last summer the issue arose after a mountain lion escaped from a home, attacking a neighbor's dog. Thunder, a 180-pound mountain lion, escaped and attacked a neighbor's dog. Deputies were called to the area of Ohio 19 and Olentangy Road on Aug. 20 to investigate Thunder's escape from the home of Charles Cox.
These two incidents call into question what must happen next. Perhaps, as Sheriff Ronny Shawber suggests, some type of law is needed.
"He's (Gallant) not violating the law," Shawber said. "I personally don't see why anyone would want a poisonous snake around. I want to see some type of regulation."
The commissioners cannot create a law regulating these types of pets. Townships can regulate animals through zoning or the commissioners can pass countywide zoning. It's up to Lykens Township and other townships to study this issue and determine how best to deal with the issue of exotic animals in Crawford County.
Snake bite may lead to pet controls