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Selectmen to consider ordinance banning exotic ‘roadside zoo’ attractions at Hebron Fair
Summary
A selectman asked the Board to add an item to the next agenda to draft an ordinance that would ban wild or exotic animal exhibits at the Hebron Fair; attorneys suggested defining animal classes to avoid restricting agricultural exhibits.
A selectman asked the Hebron Board of Selectmen to place discussion of an ordinance banning roadside zoo or exotic-animal attractions on a future agenda after complaints from constituents about wild-animal displays at the Hebron Fair.
"I'd like to add for either the next agenda discussion on ordinance, banning roadside zoo attractions," the selectman said, adding that past fairs included tigers and, most recently, sea lions that prompted constituent complaints. The selectman said the goal was to prevent exploitative wild-animal exhibits while preserving traditional agricultural fair functions.
Town counsel advised the board to consider precise definitions framed to avoid unintentionally restricting agricultural fair activities. "Let's talk about the definition of an animal... I don't wanna hamstring what I think to be the essential function of an agricultural fair," the attorney said. The discussion landed on focusing on wild or exotic animals that in some states require an exotic-animal license; the board agreed to review sample language (including a statute from Bridgeport cited by counsel) and work with the fair and the town attorney to craft a draft ordinance.
No vote was taken; the item will be added to a forthcoming agenda for drafting and discussion. The selectman said constituent calls prompted the request.
