Florence Leaders To Strengthen Animal Ownership Regulations

A new measure would prevent ownership of unpermitted livestock and other animals with municipal limits.

Florence city leaders are making changes after an incident regarding a dangerous animal.

In September, Jeffrey Leibowitz was bitten by an Inland Taipan, one of the world’s deadliest snakes, that he was keeping as a pet. The animal was one of 14 venomous snakes he owned.

All of the animals were seized. Officials attempted to find somewhere for the snakes to be properly rehomed, but many facilities didn’t have the resources for the type of snakes. Each one had to be put down.

Leaders are now taking steps to strengthen its animal ownership regulations. A new measure would prevent ownership of unpermitted livestock and other animals with municipal limits.

Violators would face daily fines of up to $500 and 30 days in jail.

A second vote is set to be held before the measure can take effect.

To learn more about the newly proposed limitations, visit FlorenceCo.