Snake Owners Won’t See New Restrictions

Two years after a 9-foot pet boa constrictor ate a Chihuahua in West Hills, a Los Angeles City Council panel decided Monday not to add more restrictions to new rules requiring snake owners to obtain permits.

Under rules approved last June, owners must pay $70 for a special permit and notify neighbors. The city Animal Services Department sends an inspector out to make sure the snake is properly secured.

City Councilman Hal Bernson had asked the city agency to revisit whether additional restrictions were necessary.

In particular, Councilman Nick Pacheco said he felt it was the responsibility of any snake owner to check on whether neighbors have dogs and cats--”to be aware of potential lunches or dinners in the area”--so precautions can be taken.

But the council’s Public Safety Committee decided to give the existing rules more time to work.