City considers new reptile ordinance after learning man has 53 snakes in his home

MADEIRA, Ohio (WKRC) — City leaders in Ohio said they were shocked to learn how many snakes one resident was keeping in his house.

Officials said they are now considering an ordinance which, they say, adds weight to an existing state law.

The man, Erik Vogel, who describes himself online as a reptile enthusiast and breeder, has a permit for 53 snakes, some venomous, in his 1,300 square-foot home, where a company called Jenerik Reptiles is registered.

However, state law also requires him and other permit holders to notify their local police departments about the reptiles, which he acknowledges he didn’t do.

The city of Madeira said it only learned about Vogel’s reptile in late 2021 through a newspaper article.

Vogel said when he moved to Madeira three years prior, he wasn’t aware the area had its own police department. But, he said he did notify the fire department, as well as Hamilton County authorities.

The ordinance Madeira is considering would add yet-to-be-determined penalties for not complying with the notification law.

Some other key requirements in the ordinance are keeping antivenom for venomous snakes and notifying police if one escapes.

City manager Tom Moeller said the city is concerned about the dangers for first responders who might be unaware of the presence of snakes or other exotic animals.

“If they are called to those homes for an emergency, we want to know what’s in the house so that we can take precautions in the event that we have to enter the house,” said Moeller.

Vogel said he’s fine with the proposed ordinance and has already met with city leaders about it.

Moeller said the ordinance could be voted on at the March 28 council meeting.