DAYTON | — Dangerous critters in Dayton take note: your days are numbered.
The Dayton City Commission on Wednesday approved a ban on residents owning certain wild animals and added restrictions on how dangerous dogs and other pets must be handled.
One animal advocate, Craig Clay, said the prohibitions are too broad and unfairly discriminate against people who prefer exotic pets.
The ordinance has been re-written extensively since it was first introduced in June.
City officials sought the ordinance in response to cases of some residents owning tiger cubs and extremely venomous snakes.
The ordinance bans most wild animals including bears, deer, tigers, jaguars, all primates, alligators, venomous snakes or any snake longer than eight feet, piranhas and scorpions and spiders that can harm a person.
The ordinance exempts zoos, circuses, a humane society, colleges or universities and people who are transporting animals through the city.
The ordinance requires dangerous dogs — any dog that will bite unprovoked — to be secured by their owners and be muzzled in public.
Clay said the language of the law is too broad.
"I don't understand what you're trying to do here," he said.
The law goes into effect in 30 days.
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