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Arlington Says No To Snakes
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by tigers9 on May 21, 2008
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snip<< After a brief debate in which snake-lovers were largely absent, the Board passed the change in the local animal control ordinance unanimously.
>>snip
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=315087&paper=60&cat=104
Arlington Says No To Snakes
The County Board unanimously passed an ordinance banning ownership of any poisonous reptile.
By David Schultz/The Connection
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
ARLINGTON RESIDENTS who have been living near poisonous snakes scored a major victory on Saturday by successfully advocating for a countywide ban on poisonous reptiles.
After a brief debate in which snake-lovers were largely absent, the Board passed the change in the local animal control ordinance unanimously.
“It seems like a ‘duh’ question,” Arlington resident Miriam Rollins said at the meeting. “Should we have venomous snakes next door? It seems to me the answer is obviously not.”
The ban was prompted by an incident that occurred earlier this year. In March, local officials responded to a call from residents in the Madison Manor neighborhood of West Arlington that numerous snakes were terrorizing the area.
It was discovered that the snakes belonged to a private owner who, County officials later determined, had broken no laws or regulations by owning the cold-blooded creatures. Due to strict animal control laws, the officials were also unable to prove that he had mishandled the snakes and could not charge him with a crime.
SEVERAL Madison Manor residents testified at the Board meeting that encountering the snakes had left them in a perpetual state of fear.
“I really don’t like snakes,” said Samantha Rollins, Miriam Rollins’ teenage daughter, who was visibly shaken as she recalled the experience. “I find it unnerving to know that there are snakes in the neighborhood.”
The proponents of the snake ban came prepared to answer protests from any serpent fans who felt their rights were being impinged upon. “We are not against responsible snake ownership,” Mary Kosygin said, “But clearly a line has been crossed.”
However, the proposal garnered few objections. Only two of the nearly dozen people who spoke on the issue came out against it, one of whom said that “Most people shouldn’t keep venomous snakes. They’re not prepared for it.”
COUNTY BOARD members were happy to grant the residents of Madison Manor their requests, even going as far as to praise their composure during this difficult situation. “I’m not sure I would have been as rational and cogent as the neighbors were,” Board Vice Chair Barbara Favola (D) said.
County Board Members were sensitive to the argument that enacting this snake ban was an overreaction to an isolated incident, albeit an argument that few, if anyone, levied.
“It just so happens that this happened in Madison Manor but this could have happened anywhere else,” Board Chairman Walter Tejada (D) said. “This is a limited, rational response to what was a particularly dangerous situation,” Board Member Mary Hynes (D) added. “The presence of venomous snakes does indeed present a direct threat to the health of our residents.”
The ban will go into effect later next month and will apply to all poisonous reptiles. If an Arington resident is found to be in violation of ban, they will be charged with a Class 4 misdemeanor for each reptile in their possession.
ABSENT any dissent, the snake ban sailed through the Arlington legislative process. Unlike many major items enacted by the Board, the snake ban was debated and passed in less than 45 minutes.
Towards the end of the proceedings, Board Member Jay Fisette (D) wondered why all changes to public safety ordinances couldn’t go this smoothly. “I wish I had the same authority to regulate handguns and assault weapons,” he said.
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