January 31, 2008

DELTONA, Fla. - Brian Radenberg has asked his neighbors to sign a petition for him. He wants the city of Deltona to know his 50 poisonous snakes are welcome.

Radenberg say he's been collecting snakes since he was five-years-old.

Since then, his love for the critters has grown into something of a hobby. He now holds a poisonous snake license, issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

His rigid adherence to the fish and wildlife laws are what makes his neighbors feel safe.

In accordance with fish and wildlife regulations, the serpents must be locked up at all times.

Radenberg says he always keeps the cages locked because by not doing so, he'd risk losing his permit; Florida Fish and Wildlife can make surprise visits.

Still, a city ordinance says no one may house any poisonous reptiles within Deltona. That leaves officials in a tough spot. They can either take the snakes or make Radenberg get rid of them. Of course, he could always move, too.

For now, he'll fight the law, using responsible pet ownership as his defense.

This is the first time the poisonous reptile ordinance is being questioned in Deltona. If Radenberg's push for an exception is met, he will be setting a new precedent for the city.

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