Exotic Animal Owners Must Notify Neighbors
- Share via
The Los Angeles City Council approved an ordinance Wednesday that calls for owners of exotic animals to inform their next-door neighbors about pets such as boa constrictors and for pet shop owners to notify customers that such animals must be registered with the city’s Department of Animal Regulation.
The ordinance, introduced by Councilman Hal Bernson, was spurred by two highly publicized snake attacks last year, including one in which West Hills resident Jackie Torgerson witnessed her pet Chihuahua being devoured by a 7 1/2-foot-long boa constrictor that escaped from its owner’s home.
Torgerson, 76, applauded the new law and was especially pleased about the neighbor notification requirement, she said. “I would have been checking my yard regularly,” Torgerson said.
Ali Sar, a spokesman for Bernson, said a previous draft of the new ordinance, recommended to the City Council by the Animal Regulation Commission last week, lacked the stipulation that exotic pet owners tell their immediate neighbors about exotic pets. The council added the measure before approving the bill, Sar said.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
More From the Los Angeles Times
Podcasts
John Orr was a renowned fire investigator who was also a prolific arsonist, and whose thinly veiled novel helped to convict him. In this episode we hear from the fire captain who first suspected him—and from Orr himself.
Tom Girardi was a legal legend—until he was found guilty of stealing millions from his own clients. Host Madison McGhee and pop culture commentator Kiki Monique unpack how his downfall became a Real Housewives scandal, and what Erika Jayne may or may not have known. Plus, L.A. Times reporter Harriet Ryan joins to share how she helped bring Girardi’s crimes to light.
Sammy Roth visits America’s second-largest nuclear plant, Arizona’s Palo Verde Generating Station, and sits down with three experts to explore the pros and cons of atomic energy.
