State to decide which animals are too dangerous to own - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

Monkeys, raccoons, and venomous snakes could be banned from local homes. Lawmakers will meet in Richmond on Wednesday to discuss banning dangerous pets.

This discussion comes on the heels of Jack Redmond's death, but the discussion dates back to an Ohio incident last year. Redmond died on Monday with venomous snakes in his home. Investigators are still deciding if a snake bite led to his death.

Legislation was first introduced because of the 2011 incident where an Ohio man released 50 exotic pets before he committed suicide.

Lawmakers around the country have since been pushing for tougher rules on what types of animals people can keep in their homes or on their property.

While Redmond's pets were not legal, Chesterfield prohibits possession of poisonous snakes. Legislators will discuss state-wide restrictions of certain animals.

The discussion over the Virginia Dangerous Animal Initiative takes place Wednesday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Virginia Science Museum. The public is welcome to attend.

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