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# Better Leash Your Snakes … Councilman Ryu Expands Crackdown On Exotic Animals
December 21 2015
Written by Phyllis M. Daugherty.
[](https://www.addtoany.com/share)
ANIMAL WATCH-The Snake Man on the Hollywood Walk of Fame may be a thing of the past--along with other displays of reptiles, birds and non-human primates in tourist areas or on public property--under a new ordinance proposed by 4th District Councilman David Ryu.
Animals of a prohibited species may be on public property in accordance with the terms and conditions of a community-event permit or film permit issued by the City, and animals naturally inhabiting the areas would be exempt from the proposed ordinance, the December 11 motion states.
Councilman Ryu is concerned about the danger to animals brought to tourist areas for the purpose of eliciting money from sightseers, and the serious public safety hazards resulting from animal handlers becoming aggressive and actually tossing snakes or birds at unsuspecting visitors in public areas “to force an interaction.”
“The presence of these animals on the public sidewalk causes a commotion that results in people congregating in the middle of the sidewalk, restricting public access and sometimes spilling into the streets,” he adds.
Annie G., visiting from North Carolina, confirmed the Councilman’s contentions on [Trip Advisor.com](http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g32655-d104576-r218568495-Hollywood_Walk_of_Fame-Los_Angeles_California.html "http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g32655-d104576-r218568495-Hollywood_Walk_of_Fame-Los_Angeles_California.html") in July 2014, in a comment about her recent visit to the Hollywood Walk of Fame:
“*There was a man walking around with two snakes and putting them on people. I am petrified of reptiles, did not see him walk up behind me and put one of his snakes on me. I screamed and the afternoon was pretty much ruined for me. He was walking up and down the street for 3 hours at least. Only way to get away from him was to go into one of the stores.”*
“We must do more to protect the safety of these animals and the safety of those around them,” Councilman Ryu stated. He also expressed concern over the growing number of complaints about inhumane treatment of these species, along with questions as to soundness of exposure to a large number of people at private events in public areas, in a loud urban environment, and the long exposure to the sun.
“Councilman Ryu is absolutely correct to be concerned about the effects of prolonged exposure of snakes and other reptiles to the sun,” says Harold Holmes, a Southern California attorney with extensive experience in animal control.
“*While they are often seen basking in direct sunlight to warm themselves, this is done to regulate their body temperature. Over-exposure, with no way for the animal to remove itself from the heat, can be as deadly as leaving a child or a dog in hot car. It is also important that the animal has access to adequate water. It is often difficult to tell when a reptile is dehydrated,”* Holmes explained.
An elephant rented as a prop for a raucous late-night party in Hollywood Hills on November 15 prompted Councilman Ryu to instruct the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services Commission to report on closing a “loophole” in the [City’s exotic-animal permitting process](https://mail.citywatchla.com/archive-hidden/10058-elephant-at-hollywood-party-prompts-councilman-ryu-to-demand-changes-in-exotic-animal-permits "http://citywatchla.com/archive-hidden/10058-elephant-at-hollywood-party-prompts-councilman-ryu-to-demand-changes-in-exotic-animal-permits").
At that time, two Hollywood Division Senior Lead Officers testified that snakes and other animals being used to coax money from tourists is also an increasingly dangerous and disturbing issue.
Los Angeles is not alone in dealing with this exploitation of reptiles. On August 20, 2015, NYPD’s Midtown North Precinct tweeted a photo of two smiling uniformed officers posing with a very long, thick-bodied yellow and white snake, identified as a boa constrictor.
Police reported that the officers saw Jason Wilson, 34, in [Times-Square](http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Boa-Constrictor-Times-Square-Police-Snake-322437482.html "http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Boa-Constrictor-Times-Square-Police-Snake-322437482.html"), with two snakes around his neck. They said the man was “trying to place the snakes on people walking by and panhandle.”
Wilson denied ‘panhandling,’ saying he uses the snakes to educate the public about reptiles and he accepts donations if offered.
The snakes were taken to animal control, and Wilson was issued a criminal complaint summons for possession of wild animals. The snakes were released to him the next day, NBC reports. Reptiles are broadly defined as turtles, crocodilians, snakes, lizards, and tuatara (which are endemic to New Zealand.)
California State laws governing private possession of [exotic animals](http://www.bornfreeusa.org/b4a2_exotic_animals_state.php?s=ca "http://www.bornfreeusa.org/b4a2_exotic_animals_state.php?s=ca") by species are contained in CAL. CODE REGS. Tit. 14 §671 -- Importation, Transportation and Possession of Live Restricted Animals, which provides that, “Cities and counties may also prohibit possession or require a permit for these and other species not requiring a state permit.”
At the December 8 meeting of the LA Animal Services Commission, General Manager Brenda Barnette advised that the Department expects to have a report ready in January on issuing permits for display of elephants and other wildlife used for private events.
Nicholas Greif, Director of Policy and Legislation for Councilman Ryu stated, “We will definitely want to see the report in January and track the recommendations.”
*(Animal activist Phyllis M. Daugherty writes for* CityWatch *and is a contributing writer to* [**opposingviews.com**](http://opposingviews.com)***.*** *She lives in Los Angeles.) Prepped for* CityWatch *by Linda Abrams.*
-cw
CityWatch
Vol 13 Issue 103
Pub: Dec 22, 2015
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