Town of Harmony approves permit for reptile feeder business after loose python report
HARMONY, Wis. (WMTV) - The Town of Harmony has approved a permit for Z-Factor Reptiles to sell food to reptile owners, following concerns from residents after a report of a loose python.
The concerns began after someone posted about a python on the loose on a local lost and found Facebook page.
Concerns were brought up to the town, and the planning & zoning committee held a public hearing Monday to clear up confusion.
Officials say Z-Factor Reptiles was selling mice and rats to people who own snakes and other reptiles. They do not sell any reptiles.
People who live in Harmony say the business was operating without a permit. Some residents are calling for clearer rules on exotic wildlife businesses.
Loren Hanson, a planning and zoning member, said the permit review followed existing guidelines.
“It’s a matter of the application to do what they’re doing. Going by what we use as guidelines, everything looks to be pretty much in order. Again, we all have our opinions on what we like and dislike, and that’s not part of the process,” Hanson said.
The committee repeatedly had to clarify that the hearing was not about the snakes themselves, but the business and it’s permitting.
“Until we have an ordinance regulating pets, not much we can do.”
he town decided to approve Z-Factor’s permit to sell food to people with reptiles. The permit does have conditions that the space is capped at around 720 square feet, and any future growth, increased traffic or complaints could trigger review of the permit.
https://www.wmtv15news.com/2026/10/06/town-harmony-approves-permit-reptile-feeder-business-after-loose-python-report/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUyC1lleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBWJyaWQRMWtkaHlQbGY3a1VjRDhmdWhzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe4YGMWejTEw0CtNO64WVq6Vhr-plJfhomuvlkJpWKa2FSkcLfNBCCmzUpOwQ_aem_hgsvXowNkPUleAssukvf1w
