City Panel to Address Pet Reptile Accidents

The board of the Los Angeles Animal Services Commission will hold a special meeting Monday to address how to curb a recent spate of accidents involving snakes and other reptiles kept as pets.

Officials are scheduled to discuss a staff report reviewing the pros and cons of creating a new classification for certain types of reptiles that would recognize them as “wild animals” and require stricter guidelines for owning such a pet, according to Wayne Garcia, a commission spokesman.

The commission decided to investigate the matter after a incident last year in which a boa constrictor ate a Chihuahua, Garcia said.

“It’s something that we feel we must look into to prevent other incidents,” Garcia said.

Also, Councilman Hal Bernson is scheduled to address the commission, and Dena Mangiamele will present a seminar on feral cat care.

The Mobile Pet Adoption Center will be on hand from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

L.A. Animal Services houses and cares for animals in six shelters throughout the city, enforces animal laws and helps to prevent cruelty to animals.

The public meeting of the board will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Mid-Valley Library branch, 16244 Nordhoff St.

For more information, call the agency at (213) 893-8400.