Groveland Twp.- Ten pythons are ten too many for township officials.
A query from a potential township resident who had eyed the community for a home to possibly breed pythons prompted township officials to take a second look at amending a zoning ordinance to take the bite out of such situations.
Township Supervisor Bob DePalma said he received the call and was concerned about the possibility of dangerous pets loose in the community.
‘It’s time we took a look at this issue,? said DePalma. ‘I’m not sure what the intent of the caller was, only that we need to examine the ordinance.?
The township planning commission has been considering an amendment of the dangerous, wild or exotic animals ordinance. The issue was discussed at the Aug. 10 township board of trustees meeting.
‘I’m sure there are exotic pets like big snakes in the township,? said Pam Que, township planning commission chairperson.
‘Right now we are considering asking residents to register their exotic pets. Our concern is that with the number of acres of woodland in Groveland, if a snake gets loose it could survive and roam around some of the remote areas of the township.?
With the expectation of grandfathering existing exotic pets, the planning commission is also considering banning dangerous, wild or exotic animals within the township.
‘We just need to know for the safety of the community,? added Que.
‘Today people have all kinds of animals in the community, and it will simply be a process of letting us know what’s out there.?
In addition, the amendment will also ban inherently dangerous exotic animals.
Que said that in no way any particular animal breed or type of animal is being singled out for the ban.
The issue will be discussed at the 7 p.m., Aug. 24 township planning commission meeting at the township hall.