UPDATE 10/30/24: The ordinance passed as drafted. While we would have preferred to see some amendments to remove the ambiguity, the City did confirm that pet reptiles and other animals are not banned. If it is not clearly an “exotic animal” (see definition), then it is not banned. Thank you to those who engaged.
The Hancock City Council has proposed changes that could affect many people. The draft’s language is too vague and broad, with most species left in a gray enforcement area.
Originally to be voted on this week, the proposed ordinance’s publication did not follow the proper timeline and has been postponed to next week. If passed, only “domestic pets,” up to four poultry hens, and up to six rabbits will be allowed within city limits.
Meeting: Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers, 399 Quincy St., Hancock, MI. Residents need to attend and voice opposition. We encourage all those who live in Hancock and the surrounding areas to attend, no matter what pets you own.
The comment deadline is 5:00 PM on October 30. Written comments can be mailed/delivered to City Hall, Attn: City Manager, 399 Quincy St., Hancock, MI 49930. Emails may be sent to manager@cityofhancock.net
What it does:
- Bans “exotic animals;’
- Bans bees [beekeeping].
- Bans cattle, cows, horses, sheep, swine, goats, or other livestock in areas of the city not zoned for agricultural land uses;
- Bans male poultry [roosters];
- Bans wild animals contrary to state or federal law or regulations;
- Bans venomous insects or snakes.
What it allows:
- “Domestic pets.”
- Rabbits are limited to six per property.
- Female Poultry are limited to four per property.
The problem: Since only “domestic pets” (domesticated is the better term) are allowed, most fish, birds, and mammals, plus all reptiles and amphibians, do not qualify. The definitions for domestic pets and exotic animals leave thousands of species in limbo and open to interpretation by each enforcement officer. Only a few species of pets other than dogs and cats are considered domesticated, such as goldfish, koi, parakeets, hamsters, etc. No reptiles and amphibians are considered domesticated. There also is no grandfather provision for owners who currently have species that will be banned.
- Domestic pets include dogs, cats, or animals customarily kept or housed inside dwellings as household pets.
- Exotic animal means any live monkey, alligator, crocodile, caiman, raccoon, skunk, fox, bear, sea mammal, venomous snake, member of the feline species other than domestic cat, member of the canine species other than domestic dogs, or any other animal that would require a standard of care and control greater than that required for customary household pets sold by commercial pet shops. (This text in italics means herps, most birds, trical fish, small mammals, etc. are not “exotic animals, but they also are not “domestic pets.”)
You can read the draft at https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/24mihancock.pdf.
Sample Letter: (Be professional and civil. Please edit and personalize)
email to: manager@cityofhancock.net
We included other contacts below the sample letter.
Subject line: NO to animal ban
Hancock Mayor Rickard and City Council,
As a Hancock resident and responsible animal owner, I find the proposed animal ordinance troubling. While I understand and appreciate the intent, the draft ordinance is rife with unintended consequences and leaves too much to interpretation. While I hope this is not the true intent, as drafted, the ordinance will ban almost all pet animals other than cats and dogs.
If you are unaware, 29% of Americans own fish, birds, reptiles, small mammals, and amphibians. That means 1,300 Hancock residents could be affected by this ban since almost none of those animals are considered domesticated, and they do not qualify as “domestic pets” under this proposal. Tortoises, tropical fish, parrots, hedgehogs, leopard geckos, turtles, corn snakes, and more are common pets but would be banned if this passes. Surely, this overreach is not what the Council seeks to do. Terms including nonvenomous reptiles, fish, amphibians, pet birds, and small mammals should be added as Permitted Animals or included in the definition of domestic pets.
This proposal would prevent those with allergies or limited space or time from enjoying the benefits of pet ownership. Even worse, there is no grandfathering provision! People will need to euthanize, surrender, or rehome their beloved pets. Please reconsider this proposal and do more research. Thank you for your time, and have a good day.
YOUR NAME
Hancock resident
Mayor and City Council contacts
Kurt A Rickard, Mayor – mayor@cityofhancock.com – 563.340.4981
Lisa McKenzie, Mayor Pro tem – lisa.mckenzie@cityofhancock.com – 906.482.9137
Ron Blau, Ward 1 – ron.blau@cityofhancock.com – 906.370.4306
Richard Freeman Jr, Ward 2 – rick.freeman@cityofhancock.com – 906.281.2880
Amanda Lounibos – mandy.lounibos@cityofhancock.com – 906.231.5256
Ryan Tanner – ryan.tanner@cityofhancock.com – 320.221.6879
Whitney Warstler – whitney.warstler@cityofhancock.com
