Sedona city officials are trying to find a way to ban the display of exotic animals in public places, a concern that was shared during a recent City Council meeting.
The ordinance would probibit exotic wildlife such as reptiles or rats from being displayed throughout town.
Patrol Cmdr. Chris Dowell told the City Council that Sedona has seen an increase in wild animals displayed within its popular uptown tourist area.
"If you’ve been up there, you’ve probably seen them sitting on the benches and such. Animals placed on the sidewalks create obstructions and safety concerns," he said.
And the handling of those animals by tourists creates additional safety concerns, he said.
The council wrangled over the definitions such an ordinance could contain, such as whether it could impact a circus coming to town. Or animals displayed on private property by someone licensed to do so.
The proposed ordinance needs several steps before it can be enacted. Next up is a public hearing June 24.
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