Boise May Clamp Down On Exotic Pets

Thu., July 13, 1995

Associated Press

Christa Carlo of Boise calls her 8-month-old feline her “little cuddle bug,” but Kiya is a bobcat weighing a good 15 pounds.

Kiya has tried to eat the family’s pet guinea pig, and takes a lot of care, with a diet of whole chickens and other meat.

Boise city officials may eventually ban bobcats as pets, along with other exotic wild animals, including monkeys, alligators, weasels and snakes native to Idaho.

The proposed ordinance may be considered within several months, said planner Robert Hobbes.

Exotic pets in town include cougars, boa constrictors, monitor lizards and a wallaby.

The Carlos’ bobcat would be “grandfathered” in and would not be banned because their ownership would predate the ordinance.

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Boise May Clamp Down On Exotic Pets

Jesse Tinsley

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