Title 10Action Alert

DEADLINE to COMMENT: November 15

HEARING:

November 17, 2015 at 10:00 AM PST

Clark County Government Building

500 S. Grand Central Pkwy

Las Vegas, Nevada 89155

Dress appropriately! You should wear nicer clothes (i.e. at least more than a t-shirt). Even if you do not plan to speak, come support your fellow pet owners and exotic animal keepers. However, a short speech (talking time at hearing is just 3 minutes per person) can be easily composed from the Talking Points and sample letters below. Also, SNHS (below) has additional information.

Contact the Southern Nevada Herpetological Society with additional questions at r can also join the Facebook group at

YOU MUST BE CIVIL AND PROFESSIONAL AT ALL TIMES (EMAILS, PHONE CALLS and HEARING)!

WHAT TO DO BEFORE the HEARING

You MUST speak up! A handful of people cannot beat this, especially with paid lobbyists fighting against us. Below is all the information you need to submit a written comment. There are sample letters, but please edit and personalize or write your own. Be sure to join the Facebook Group to stay updated at Please read this entire document before taking action. Dog and cat owners, and owners of any pet should be aware of what’s happening as this is an overhaul of the current ordinance.

Proposed changes can be found at Language in strikethroughwill be removed. Languageunderlinedwill be added. Also, plan to attend the County meetings. The Commissioners will take notice of how many people oppose the changes.

It’s simple:

  • Choose one of the sample subject lines or write your own similar subject line;
  • Choose from the Talking Points and/or Sample Letters below. Please reword them slightly;
  • Personalize your letter;
  • Mention any specific effects the draft changes will have upon you;
  • Send your email to ;
  • Send your email to the County Commissioners;

, , , , ,

  • Call your Commissioner and simply let him/her know that you are opposed to the proposed changes. (Phone numbers and contact information are below.);
  • Share this information!
  • Attend the October 17th hearing!

Your letter and all communicationsMUST be professional, civil and respectful. This means no threats or foul language. Personalize the letter so they are not receiving “spam” letters. To close your letter, make it clear that you do not agree with the proposedchanges of the Title 10 animal law.

Sample subject lines. It is best to slightly reword:

●NO to Title 10 Changes

●Title 10 Changes = NO

●I say NO to Title 10 Changes

●Title 10 Changes are Overreaching

●Title 10 Changes are a waste of my tax dollars

●Title 10 Changes are not supported by valid data or science

●Title 10 Changes Punish Responsible Owners

●Title 10 Changes had NO input from stakeholders or animal experts

Include at bottom of your letter:

●Full Name or Initials

●Address and/or Email

Sections of Concern

10.04.183 - Exotic or Wild Animal.

"Exotic or Wild Animal" means any or all of the following animals, which are notdefined in this chapter as a household pet or an inherently dangerous exotic or wildanimal, or an animal normally raised for human consumption or livestock as definedin Chapter 30.08, whether bred in the wild or in captivity, and whether indigenousto the State of Nevada or not. The words in parentheses are intended to act asexamples only and are not to be construed as being an exhaustive list or tootherwise limit the generality of each group of animals:

  1. All species in the order Primates (such as lemurs and monkeys), except humans andanimals listed in Section 10.04.212;
  2. All species in the suborder Feliformia (such as bobcats, servals, meerkats,civets, and lynx), except Felis catus and animals listed in Section 10.04.212;
  3. All species in the suborder Caniformia including any hybrid between a Canisfamiliaris and any other member of the family Canidae (such as wolves, wolf hybrids,foxes, badgers, coatis, and jackals), except Canis familiaris;
  4. All marine mammals (such as seals, sea lions, dolphins, otters, and whales);
  5. All species in the infraclass Marsupial (such as kangaroos, wallabies and opossums); THIS INCLUDES SUGAR GLIDERS!
  6. All species from the family Giraffidae (such as giraffes and okapis);
  7. All species from the order Perissodactyla (such as tapirs and zebras), exceptdomestic livestock and animals listed in Section 10.04.212;
  8. All species from the superorder Xenarthra (such as anteaters, sloth and armadillos).
  9. All venomous reptiles and amphibians, except animals listed in Section 10.04.212;
  10. All constrictor snakes, the species of which at maturity reaches 6 feet or more in length;

Why: This would require an overreaching permit for snake species which get over 6’, even as babies. Remembers that even rat snakes, milk snakes and other colubrids are constrictor snakes. Also, this list includes sugar gliders and other pet species.

10.04.278 Sold (Sell)

“Sold” or “Sell” shall mean for compensation or profit or barter, sells, rehomes, gifts, gives, trades, exports, or transfers to another person.

Why: This new definition makes all sales andeven rehoming of animals with a fee illegal without licenses. Even hobbyists and someone selling one animal would need a retailer license. A teenager selling a couple captive-hatched crested geckos would be a criminal.

10.18 Exotic or Wild Animals:

10.18.010 (a):

Except as provided in this Chapter, no exotic or wild animals shall be transported, exhibited in public or private, or kept anywhere within the unincorporated areas of Clark County unless and until the owner thereof has obtained an exotic or animal permit from the Animal Control Officer for each animal, and in accordance with the conditions therein.

Why: The overreaching permit (see bottom) is required before bringing home a snake species that reaches over 6’ in length. See the full list, including Sugar gliders, above.

10.18.010 (d):

An exotic or wild animal permit shall not be issued for the keeping or exhibiting of an exotic or wild animal until an investigation has been made to ascertain what precautions shall be reasonable and necessary to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the public and the animals, and the property upon which the exotic or wild animal shall be kept has been inspected and approved by the Animal Control Officer.

Why: This a far overreaching permit system (see bottom). It requires liability insurance, permit for each animal, up to a $500 fee, annual fee and inspection, etc. Read the entirety of “10.18 Exotic or Wild Animals” at the bottom of this document. It is possibly the most overbearing and complex permit system for some of these species on record.

10.08.160 Household pet fancier/foster permit

WHY: This proposal requires a “fancier permit” for owners with more than 3 of any animal, except fish and invertebrates. Even with a permit, you cannot have more than 6 individuals of any single species. (except up to 10 cats)

It requires a $50 permit, in addition to the up to $500 “exotic or wild animal” permit.

An additional annual inspection from an animal control officer required.

NOTE: An amendment was proposed by Animal Control to exclude herps from the fancier permit, but nothing has been finalized.

10.08.140 Sale of animals

...All other household pets may only be sold by dealers, operators orretailers. Dealers, operators and retailers must obtain a businesslicense...

Why: This change would require a business license for the selling of any “household pet,” which includes all herps. This means someone could have one clutch of corn snakes and then could not “sell” (see definition below) them without a Clark County business license, and “operator, dealer, or retailer license.” Legitimate businesses and even hobbyists doing much business should be licensed, but this is an overreach.

10.04.203 – Household Pet

“Household Pet” means any tame or domesticated animal ordinarily permitted in the house and kept for pleasure… The term includes non-venomous reptiles and amphibians not otherwise listed as an exotic or wild animal or…

Why: While this sounds good as herps will now be considered “household pets,” it causes herp breeders/hobbyists to run into issues under 10.08.140 “Sale of animals” and the new definition of “sell.” It requires anyone selling an animal to have business licenses.

Comment Submission Details

Where to Send

By Hand or Mail

Clark County Animal Control

Attn: Jason Allswang

2911 East Sunset Road

Las Vegas, NV 89120

By E-mail

, , ,, , ,

District A - Commissioner Steve Sisolak: (702) 455-3500 EMAIL:
District B - Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick: (702) 455-3500 EMAIL:
District C - Commissioner Larry Brown: (702) 455-3500 EMAIL:
District D - Commissioner Lawrence Weekly: (702) 455-3500 EMAIL:
District E - Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani: (702) 455-3500 EMAIL:
District F - Commissioner Susan Brager: (702) 455-3500 EMAIL:
District G - Commissioner Mary Beth Scow: (702) 455-3500 EMAIL:

By Fax

(702) 407-6829

Thank you everyone for your help and support for all pet owners and animal keepers in Clark County, NV. Just as with you, they are not just our pets, they are our friends and companions. For more information, join the“Save our Exotics” Facebook group at

Primary Talking Points

  1. Legitimate science, valid statistics and sound reasoning do not exist to justify these changes.
  2. These changes are proposed without input from local stakeholders, veterinarians, academics, educators and biologists.
  3. Exotic animals of any species pose ZERO public safety risk when kept responsibly. When animals are responsibly kept privately and do not come into contact with the public, there is NO concern for public safety.
  4. Laws cannot be written due to a minuscule chance that something might happen, especially without valid scientific or statistical backing.
  5. The new proposal for the sale of animals is quite unjustifiable. As proposed, a teenager could not hatch two leopard geckos and then “sell” (which under new definition even includes gifting) them without having a Nevada business license, Clark County business license, and an operator, dealer or retailer license.
  6. The expansive current list of species requiring permits is burdensome not only for pet owners but also for animal control officers trying to enforce the soon to be laws.
  7. While changes to Title 10 may be an attempt to punish irresponsible owners, it is only harming responsible owners.
  8. Other governments are removing restrictions for constrictor snakes, rather than writing overreaching laws. Illinois removed all prohibitions on lengths/weights for constrictor snakes in 2014, and West Virginia did not list any reptiles in their new Dangerous Wild Animal Law this year.
  9. Comparing reptile care to dog and cat care is unfair. Dogs and cats require far more care than reptiles.
  10. Requiring a fancier’s permit for someone with 4 reptiles is far overreaching. Reptile care is not equal to dog and cat care.
  11. The proposal does not allow for someone to have more than six animals. This is common for many herp species including tree frogs, leopard geckos, ball pythons, crested geckos and dozens more.

Secondary Talking Points

  1. There are over five million households in America with pet reptiles and unincorporated Clark County is being faced with strict regulations without major incidents or valid reason.
  2. Nevada's extreme environment does not allow for exotic herps (reptiles and amphibians collectively) to survive in the wild, so environmental impact is not a concern.
  3. Nevada’s economy has grown and shown that by opening four new pet stores in the last year. Passing this as written would hinder their business and our growing job economy.
  4. These changes are collective punishment (punishment of the whole do to a few) which is unconstitutional.
  5. There is absolutely no evidence to support regulating snake species that reach lengths of 6’. This affects dozens of species. The majority of snakes at 6’-8’ weight less than eight pounds. Some species reach lengths greater than 6’ and never reach weights over five pounds or eat prey larger than medium rats.
  6. Species such as rat snakes, racers, indigos and many others reach lengths over 6’ and some never reach weights over 3-4 pounds.
  7. Many species of boas and pythons reach lengths over 6’, yet never weigh over 10 pounds.
  8. Only the largest species of pythons and anacondas could ever even remotely be considered potentially dangerous. This occurs only when handled irresponsibly. These species cannot chase you. Normal walking pace is faster than these snakes can move as adults. Snakes are also very different than mammals, eating rarely due to slow metabolism and are not constantly looking for food.
  9. Constrictor snakes are no longer imported in large numbers. These snakes have been bred in captivity for years, and most species for decades. Just like accepted domestic pets, these animals are far removed from the wild and do not act in the same manner as their wild counterparts. While perhaps not considered to be domesticated, they certainly are more docile and accepting of handling and captivity than they were many years ago.
  10. Many species of snakes have been readily bred since the 1960s, 1970s and especially the 1980s. These many generations of breeding have greatly mellowed out the wild behavior of these animals.
  11. The proposed permit system is quite overbearing.Many people keep multiple reptiles and would quickly reach the $500 permit fee.
  12. A dozen snakes can easily be kept under ideal husbandry condition with only an hour’s worth of combined weekly care.
  13. Liability insurance should not be required for privately-kept animals that have no interaction with the public.
  14. Reptiles of nearly all species can easily, safely and responsibly be kept in a residential building. The proposed permit language reads as though these animals are all huge, monstrous species requiring housing in only government-approved facilities. This is comparable to saying only museums, libraries and zoos should have 10 gallon fish tanks.
  15. Changes would make it illegal for me to purchase an animal legally in Las Vegas and then bring it home, across an invisible border.

Sample Letter 1 (Personalize your letter!)

Dear Clark County Commissioner,

As a concerned citizen of unincorporated Clark County, the changes to Title 10 being proposed are going to be oppressive for responsible animal owners, exotic pet industry,local businessesand even local authorities. The current draft is overworking the animal control officers. It will greatly hinder any businesses that are located in unincorporated Clark County, and also Las Vegas as many of their customers live outside the city.It will also halt new businesses from potentially opening.Legitimate science, valid statistics and sound reasoning do not exist to justify these changes.

I, as an exotic pet owner, request that Title 10 be left alone. If it must be amended, the work should be done through local stakeholders and certainly not outside voices. The change between the August and September drafts have been extraordinarily drastic without a need for these strict regulations.It can only be assumed that this proposal is a step to remove all non-traditional pets from Clark County.

As a County Commissioner, I would hope you have the sound interests of your constituents in mind, though those may conflict from your own personal beliefs or fears. Also, the best interests of your constituents should be at the forefront of your decision-making process, and certainly not the voices of any outside lobbyists or special interest groups. The animal someone chooses to keep responsibly as a pet is not the decision of any government to make. However, irresponsible owners should certainly be punished. Fair, unbiased laws such as dog and cat owners are allowed, should be passed.Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter. Have a good day.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME and ADDRESS

Sample Letter 2 (Personalize your letter!)

Respected Clark County Commissioner,

As a responsible Clark County pet owner, I would like to voice my opposition to the proposed changes to Title 10. These amendments will unjustly remove my freedom to keep, occasionally breed and sell animals as a hobbyist.

According to the latest study from the American Pet Products Association (APPA), over 32% of American households have pet species other than dogs and cats. This proposed change potentially affects 1/3 of Clark County residents. Many people who keep non-traditional or exotic pets, also breed them on occasion and sell the offspring. The responsible keeping and breeding of these animals in no way affects my neighbors or the County.

It can only be assumed that this proposal is a step to remove all non-traditional pets from Clark County. The animal someone chooses to keep responsibly as a pet is not a government official’s decision to make. In many situations, non-traditional pets are better suited to households than dogs or cats.

A disease prevention argument is not valid. There is a miniscule chance that someone could potentially attain a zoonotic (transferable from animal to human) disease. This is possible from any animal. As with interactions with humans, interactions with animals that are not followed by proper hygiene (i.e. hand washing) may lead to disease transmission. You cannot punish an entire population at the slim chance that irresponsible people do not practice proper hygiene.