RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — After much deliberation on the subject, the Richmond City Council voted ban exotic animals in the city.
The order… which makes it illegal to own, buy or sell animals such as monkeys, wolves, bears and wild cats — adopted by the agenda approved at the Richmond City Council meeting on the evening of Monday, July 24.
Only one person spoke against the ban at Monday night’s meeting, specifically arguing against limits on certain bird species. One person spoke in favor of the ordinance, citing animal welfare as well as the safety of first responders who may encounter potentially dangerous animals.
The ordinance originally prohibited the possession of venomous or venomous reptiles and amphibians, but this was changed in May. Now, owners of venomous or venomous reptiles or amphibians may be allowed to keep their pets if they can prove they obtained them before the ordinance was passed and properly registered them with the city .