Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone.
I am new here, feel free to correct me if I am doing something wrong.
Posted this in the general forum first, but there seem to be few regular participants there.
I am living in a small village in southern Wisconsin, ( about 1.100 population) and I own six snakes as pets, from a still young Brazilian Rainbow Boa to a 9 foot, 45 lb Boa constrictor. In the past I have always been open about my pets, carrying them around in my back yard and talking to many friends, in the local bar and at parties, about them. But a short time ago I was notified by the police department that one of my neighbors brought to the attention of the village board that I own snakes and there is a village ordinance that does not allow for the possession of venomous or constrictor snakes.
Today I went to the city hall and asked them to change the ordinance. My understanding of the process is that a village meeting will be called where everyone can voice its opinion and based on the feedback the village will either change the ordinance or decline to change it.
I am looking for anything that might help me argue my case, and also what topics to avoid as they might backfire in an unexpected way. For example statistics about injuries from snakes vs. injuries from dog bites. Would this be a good argument or do I instantly have all dog owners against me?
Surely someone in the community must have had similar issues in the past and can point me to helpful information anywhere on the internet.

Thanks,
Joe

I am looking for anything that might help me argue my case, and also what topics to avoid as they might backfire in an unexpected way. For example statistics about injuries from snakes vs. injuries from dog bites. Would this be a good argument or do I instantly have all dog owners against me?

Some ideas:

1. Depending on your village's location, you may be within the range of at least one venomous snake (timber rattler) and numerous constrictors, all naturally occurring. If your village doesn't have a problem with rampant snakebite and people getting squeezed by snakes for which they DON'T know the exact location, they shouldn't fear a problem from YOUR snakes--for which they DO know their location.

2. MOST snakes are constrictors to varying degrees. It may be helpful to point that out, while identifying that your snakes do not get big enough to harm anyone.

3. Might also be good to point out that your snakes couldn't survive a Wisconsin winter, should there be any fear of invasive-species tendencies.

4. I would be doing a lot of educational lectures, school presentations, etc. not just in your town but to whomever will give you an audience. Show that you're someone who contributes to the community.
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

http://herpalliance.com/category/statistics/

This is a good start for info.
Link

Thanks to everyone who read and replied to this message. I hooked up with the Madison Herp Society and will attend their next monthly meeting for exchange of ideas.

Thanks again,
Joe