A new Washington law bans people from owning dangerous animals like big cats, wolves, bears, poisonous snakes, crocodiles, and alligators.
Exotic animals currently registers will be allowed to live out their remaining years. However, when they die, owners are not allowed to replace them with another exotic animal.
In the meantime, all exotic pets are required to be in some type of enclosure with eight-foot walls. Owners must also take out a $50,000 liability insurance policy.
Still, many of the exotic animals living in Spokane County have never been registered at all.
Currently there are seven big cats registered as exotic pets in Spokane County.
Earlier this week, a wallaby escaped from a North Spokane home. Animal control officers recaptured it safely. Wallabies are not considered exotic pets, they are treated on the same level as any other common pet.
Friday, 12 March 2010
