The Board of Supervisors on March 7 adopted a new ordinance prohibiting private ownership and breeding of some exotic and venomous species of animals—including wolf hybrids, kangaroos, scorpions, baboons, alligators, venomous snakes and other venomous reptiles, and non-native venomous spiders.
The new ordinance exempts entities like zoos or rehabilitators, which are licensed or permitted through state or federal agencies to have those restricted species. Also, people who currently own those animals may keep them for the rest of the animals’ natural life, but will be required to register them with the county to ensure first responders are aware of their presence. That registration process has not yet been established.
The ordinance comes after Loudoun County Animal Services warned of venomous snakes in private hands in Loudoun with no anti-venom readily available, as well as at least one incident of a privately-owned alligator wandering off the property, later spotted by guests near a vineyard.
More information is online at loudoun.gov/Chapter612addition.
(1) comment
If venomous snakes are prohibited, how will Loudoun ever hold another election?
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