Exotic Animal Registration Deadline Approaches For Venomous Snake Owners In Loudoun

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Exotic animal owners now have one week to register their animals with the county, Loudoun government officials said on Monday.

In March, Loudoun supervisors approved an ordinance that outlawed alligators, kangaroos, wolf hybrids, scorpions, and venomous snakes. However, the ordinance included a grandfather clause for residents who already own animals mentioned in the law.

Residents will be able to keep their exotic animals as long as they register them with the county before the May 8 deadline, officials said. The registration form is available online.

Loudoun County officials said the registration will help first responders be more aware of the animals and any possible dangers when they are called to scenes.

Loudoun County Animal Services officials asked supervisors to consider the law in November 2022.

Animal services employees were concerned after they found three alligators, a caiman, a king cobra, and six other venomous snakes on a property in Loudoun County.

"One alligator was being allowed to free-roam the property prior to officers’ arrival, was missing for over a week, and was later sighted at a popular nearby vineyard," the county supervisors report said before the law was passed.

Officials were also concerned about the presence of venomous snakes on the property. The report noted that there is no antivenom available in Virginia. The closest sources for snake antivenom are at the Smithsonian Zoo, which has a limited supply, and a reptile zoo in Kentucky.

"This is not an isolated event, as in addition to venomous snakes and alligators, officers and staff of LCAS have interacted with residents owning scorpions, foxes, coatimundi, and wolf-hybrids," county officials said in a report.

The new registry will give authorities more information about what animals are present on a property before they arrive.

Anyone who violates the new law or fails to register their exotic animal would be guilty of a class 4 misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $250.