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CC-(1) Discussion Regarding Request for City Council Support for the Legalization of Ferrets in California; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate.
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Meeting Date: March 26, 2018
Contact Person/Dept: Shelly Wolfberg/City Manager’s Office
Phone Number: (310) 253-6008
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X] Date:
Public Notification: Megan Mitchell (03/06/18); (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (03/21/18);
Department Approval: John M. Nachbar, City Manager (03/20/18)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) discuss a request for City Council support for the legalization of ferrets in California; and (2) provide direction to the City Manager as deemed appropriate.
BACKGROUND
On October 23, 2017, Meghan Mitchell, Angel City Ferret Club, asked that the City Council agendize a proclamation of support of legalizing ferrets in California; reported public interest and support for the issue; discussed the sale of ferret supplies in California; and provided a proclamation from the City of La Mesa, California in support of ferret legalization. Ms. Mitchell noted that they had not had a legislative sponsor in 13 years to try to change the law, and asserted that the issue is not frivolous noting that it is a misdemeanor in California to own a ferret while ferret ownership is legal in 48 states. She also discussed confiscation of ferrets at the border; indicated a desire to see the issue considered at a state level; and requested that the City take a stand with local owners and enthusiasts. Phillip LeGault, Angel City Ferret Club, expressed support for ferret legalization and asked for help in changing the state law. Discussion ensued between Council Members and Ms. Mitchell regarding background on efforts to change the law.
On October 31, 2017, City staff provided a memo to the City Council with some preliminary research on this topic (Attachment 1).
On November 7, 2017, Ms. Mitchell requested the City Council agendize a discussion of a proclamation in support of ferret legalization; discussed her quest for support to give credibility to the cause; reported support from the La Mesa City Council and efforts in areas where ferret owners are living; discussed work since 1988 to change the law that dates from the 1930s; noted discussions with then-Assembly Member Ridley-Thomas; discussed the difficulty of getting sponsorship; and submitted signatures and letters in support of a Culver City proclamation. City Council consensus was achieved to discuss the issue.
DISCUSSION
Ms. Mitchell has provided a draft resolution (Attachment 2) for the City Council to discuss and consider in addition to supplemental information regarding this issue (Attachment 3). Additionally, Ms. Mitchell provided a copy of the online petition with signatures that she received from around the world. The petition reads as follows:
“Mayor and Council Members, Please stand with your local pet owners, business and ferret enthusiast. Culver City should recognize that domestic ferrets are pets and issue a proclamation supporting the legalization and decriminalization of ferret ownership in California.”
The list of signatures is included as Attachment 4.
Angel City Ferret Club is requesting the City Council consider adopting a resolution in support of the legalization of ferrets. If the City Council desires to offer such support, then it may direct staff to return at a later date with a proposed resolution that is identical or similar to the one that is found in Attachment 2. Alternatively, the City Council may choose to provide alternate direction to staff.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no fiscal impact to discuss this item.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2018-03-26__ATT__2017.10.31 Memo re Ferrets to City Council
2. 2018-03-26__ATT__ Ms. Mitchell’s Proposed Culver City Resolution
3. 2018-03-26__ATT__Angel City Ferret Club Supporting Information
4. 2018-03-26__ATT__Ferret_petition_signatures_02192018
MOTION
That the City Council:
1. Adopt a position of support for the legalization of ferrets in California; or
2. Do not take a position on the legalization of ferrets in California; and/or
3. Provide direction to the City Manager as deemed appropriate.