This is too stupid to make up, it is true.
Yes, believe it or not animal-rights groups said this type of training was too stressful on the rattlesnakes!
Luckily, the ordinance is effective only in the city of San Diego and not the County.
Here are some further details:
As you may or may not know rattlesnake aversion training for dogs has come under fire from animal rights activists in San Diego County. Earlier this year a complaint was registered with San Diego county animal services regarding the use of rattlesnakes to train dogs to avoid snakes, the complaint was that it is cruel and stressful to the snakes. Because of the complaint animal services has begun enforcing an ordinance in the county that prohibits the possession of venomous reptiles. Animal services has contacted the aversion trainers and told us we can no longer offer this service and said in no uncertain terms that we will be cited if we continue.
Sounds crazy doesn't it? The authorities would rather have many dozens of dogs bit each year than inflict some possible stress on rattlesnakes!
Okay, if you stopped laughing now, be on guard for copycat legislation in your location. Once one wacko group has success with legislation like this is quickly passed on to their counterparts throughout the country. Oh, by the way, where still not allowed to dredge for gold in California!
