Council Member Andrew Johnson of Minneapolis believes that changes in the city’s animal-related ordinances will be beneficial and a “huge step for those who care about animal issues.” Johnson worked on recommendations with Minneapolis Animal Care and Control officials and Citizens for Minneapolis Animal Care. The recommendations help define the responsibilities of pet owners and the city shelter.
Minneapolis does not allow residents to own reptiles but these recommendations may allow reptiles as licensed pets. Rabbits are currently licensed pets but that may no longer be necessary. Ferrets will still require licenses due to their requirement for up-to-date rabies vaccinations.
Some of the recommendations support practices that are currently being developed. The city shelter has been fostering relationships with other rescue organizations in order to reduce the number of animals being euthanized. Minneapolis Animal Control Deputy Director, Caroline Hairfield said, “Our goal is to be able to adopt or transfer to other facilities all animals who are healthy and placeable in the sense of being mentally and physically treatable.”
Johnson also wants the city to change the way wild animals are euthanized. Currently injured wild animals are euthanized in a gas chamber (article did not state which gas is used). Johnson would like wild animals to be euthanized in the same way domestic animals are, by lethal injection.
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