Paperboy Note: Assorted links at the URL, including a map of people in FL keeping venomous.



ORLANDO SENTINEL (Florida) 18 February 08 Deltona could back off ban on pet poisonous reptiles (Denise-Marie Balona)

Deltona officials may be backing off the city's ban on poisonous snakes as pets.

Tonight, the city commission will discuss changing its rule on what kinds of pets are allowed in neighborhoods. Officials had tried recently to force a resident to get rid of the 54 cobras, vipers and other venomous serpents he was keeping at his home on Snow Drive.

It was the first time the city attempted to enforce the rule. But after researching the issue, the city learned it cannot do anything about the reptiles because Brian Radenberg is a snake handler licensed with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The state agency has sole authority over who can have venomous reptiles as well as other exotic animals such as tigers and bears.

State officials have said Radenberg had to meet strict requirements to get the license, including completing 1,000 hours of training and passing surprise inspections.

Deltona commissioners will discuss adding a sentence to the city ordinance saying that dangerous animals and venomous reptiles are allowed if they have permits from the Fish and Wildlife Commission.

If the change is approved tonight, it will go before the commission for second public hearing and a second vote on March 3.
Deltona could back off ban on pet poisonous reptiles

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