UPDATE 5/3/23: This proposal has been stopped! Thank you to everyone who opposed this horrible and overreaching ordinance! This was easily one of the worst bans we have seen introduced. Even though this was a small city in Iowa and may not have affected you, these bad bans can spread quickly if they get passed anywhere. That is why it is important to find them and stop them before they start.
This ordinance affects domesticated and non-traditional pet owners! Denison, Iowa has proposed a very broad ban on all species not native to Iowa or Nebraska. Additionally, there is a pet limit for domesticated species and even fish. The draft language is very poorly and haphazardly written. This is a bad one! All local pet owners need to get involved and amend this shortsighted ordinance. Get involved or get banned! Locals need to call and email the Mayor and Council members ASAP!
Meeting: Tuesday, May 2, 2023 @ 5:00 pm at City Hall (agenda link below)
What it does:
- Bans all species not native to Iowa or Nebraska. NOTE: We realize there is a list of animals but nowhere does it state that the ban is limited to those species.
- Animal limit: “No person shall own, harbor, or keep more than six (6) animals of more than 4 months of age within the corporate limits of the City of Denison.” This means that someone cannot have more than six pets or animals of any mix. I.e. two dogs, two parakeets, and three frogs = ILLEGAL. More than six fish = ILLEGAL. Etc.
- Ferrets are banned. All species in the Family Mustelidae are banned as “dangerous animals” and ferrets are not listed as exempt.
- Additional bans: native snakes (because all non-native snakes are banned) over 36″ in length and native birds over 38″ tall.
- Any person with more than four allowed animals must pay for a license from the City. NOTE: You still cannot own more than six animals even with this license.
- All of these types of “regulated animals” will be banned (see definitions for each) unless it is a domesticated species (i.e. dangerous dog) that is licensed with the City: “Dangerous animals, hybrid animals, and exotic animals” are all banned. If permitted to keep a regulated animal, liability insurance of at least $5000,000 is required, among other requirements.
- Bans all species listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. This means many species of turtles, tortoises, parrots, lizards, etc. are banned even though they are not banned to keep or breed under federal law.
- Grandfather clause: Animals owned prior to the effective date shall have 60 days to register those animals with the City. However, these owners must supply “satisfactory proof” of ownership prior to the effective date. The effective date shall be immediate upon final passage.
- Bans beekeeping.
Read the full proposal at https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/23-Denison-IA.pdf. All of the text highlighted in yellow is new language.
Find City Council phone numbers and email addresses at https://denisonia.com/?page_id=61.
This is item 25 on the May 2 meeting agenda: https://denisonia.com/wp-content/uploads/May_2_2023_Regular_Council_Agenda.pdf
Sample Message
An email list is below but you should also send emails through the Denison website at https://denisonia.com/?ai1ec_event=city-council-43&instance_id=2604.
Email list: mayor@denisonia.com, atlarge1@denisonia.com, atlarge2@denisonia.com, ward1@denisonia.com, ward2@denisonia.com, ward3@denisonia.com
Email subject line: NO to Animal Ordinance Amendments
Denison Mayor and City Council,
As a Dension resident and responsible animal owner, I implore you to table and stop the proposal to amend City Code Chapters 55 and 56 regarding animal protection and dangerous animals. This proposal is horribly lacking in research and stakeholder input! As written, the proposal bans aquariums with more than six fish, pet ferrets, many parrots, commonly kept pet reptiles and amphibians, and much more. It is horribly drafted and lacks any legitimate rationale. This ordinance that is going to negatively affect a large percentage of Denison residents needs a dedicated workshop with animal owners. This is absolutely bad and overreaching government policy. I would not expect this from my beloved home of Denison.
As written, this ordinance bans most fish tanks, pet geckos, pet tortoises, houses with a few fish and a couple of birds, many pet parrots, and many other unjust examples. How did this happen in my city? Please pause this action so Denison residents have time to digest what the Council is proposing. It lacks forethought and residents were not aware of the many consequences until recently. Please understand that local residents do not have the time to dedicate to watching law changes but we are now aware of what is actually happening, rather than just a change to keeping chickens as reported in the news which was very misleading and misinforming. Thank you for your time and have a good day.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME
