The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has officially amended the ordinance to remove hedgehogs from the restricted exotic animal list. My legal counsel is currently reviewing the new language to ensure that current owners are fully protected under the updated code. We have successfully secured the change we requested.
April 23, 2018
Final supporters
A person living 10 minutes from my house can own a hedgehog as a pet, but I can't. I can't because Fairfax County of Virginia wants to maintain it's oh-so-amazing reputation. So many things that improve their reputation, best schools, safe from "wild, exotic, or 'vicious'" creatures. Hedgehogs are not vicious. They may have quills but they're not porcupines. They actually form a bond with their owner, reacting to their voice and scent, like a dog. These hedgehogs are bred and raised in captivity and have never know the wild, yet they're illegal. "Ferrets, non-poisonous snakes, rabbits and laboratory rats that have been bred in captivity and that have never known the wild are excluded from this definition" excluded from being called "wild, exotic, or vicious." A non-poisonous snake still bites, and even a bunny can accidentally bite your fingernail off. How is that worse from being poked by a hedgehog? Not even drawing blood
Updates
February 2, 2018
The current momentum signals that we have reached the threshold required to formally request a sit-down with the county board. I am drafting a briefing paper that contrasts our current restrictions with the allowances granted to other pets. Expect a summary of the next legislative review process once I receive confirmation from the office.
Reached 100 supporters
February 2, 2018
57 Comments
They are cute and adorable, and for some people it can really make their well-being better!
My friend is in training to be a veterinarian at Virgina Tech University. Luckily she lives in a Ronoake so she can own a hedgehog. She reports that hedgehogs are as dangerous as hamsters. Hamsters are not dangerous in the slightest. Fairfax County needs to step up and follow suit with the rest of the state.
I had a hedgehog in my 6th grade classroom (Fairfax Co. private school) for a few years...then someone told me it was illegal! The principal didn't bust me so I kept the cute critter...and my students loved her! Hedgehogs should be legal in Fairfax County!
Hedgehogs are cute, and safe, my daughter's kindergarten class had one as a pet with never a concern
Hedgehogs are considered domesticated pets. There is no reason that these should be banned by any county, town or city in Virginia.
They are literally adorable how can they be illegal
You should contact Fairfax County Zoning. They are working on an amendment to allow hedgehogs in Fairfax County. You can send letters and emails in support! Contact info is on their website: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-zoning/zoning-ordinance
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The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has officially amended the ordinance to remove hedgehogs from the restricted exotic animal list. My legal counsel is currently reviewing the new language to ensure that current owners are fully protected under the updated code. We have successfully secured the change we requested.
April 23, 2018
Final supporters
A person living 10 minutes from my house can own a hedgehog as a pet, but I can't. I can't because Fairfax County of Virginia wants to maintain it's oh-so-amazing reputation. So many things that improve their reputation, best schools, safe from "wild, exotic, or 'vicious'" creatures. Hedgehogs are not vicious. They may have quills but they're not porcupines. They actually form a bond with their owner, reacting to their voice and scent, like a dog. These hedgehogs are bred and raised in captivity and have never know the wild, yet they're illegal. "Ferrets, non-poisonous snakes, rabbits and laboratory rats that have been bred in captivity and that have never known the wild are excluded from this definition" excluded from being called "wild, exotic, or vicious." A non-poisonous snake still bites, and even a bunny can accidentally bite your fingernail off. How is that worse from being poked by a hedgehog? Not even drawing blood
Updates
February 2, 2018
The current momentum signals that we have reached the threshold required to formally request a sit-down with the county board. I am drafting a briefing paper that contrasts our current restrictions with the allowances granted to other pets. Expect a summary of the next legislative review process once I receive confirmation from the office.
Reached 100 supporters
February 2, 2018
57 Comments
Why are they banned? I am confused, if Fairfax County wants to keep its reputation as the best county ever or whatever, then let kids have pets! They are basically saying that kids shouldn’t have pets! Unbelievable.
They are cute and adorable, and for some people it can really make their well-being better!
My friend is in training to be a veterinarian at Virgina Tech University. Luckily she lives in a Ronoake so she can own a hedgehog. She reports that hedgehogs are as dangerous as hamsters. Hamsters are not dangerous in the slightest. Fairfax County needs to step up and follow suit with the rest of the state.
I had a hedgehog in my 6th grade classroom (Fairfax Co. private school) for a few years...then someone told me it was illegal! The principal didn't bust me so I kept the cute critter...and my students loved her! Hedgehogs should be legal in Fairfax County!
Hedgehogs are cute, and safe, my daughter's kindergarten class had one as a pet with never a concern
Hedgehogs are considered domesticated pets. There is no reason that these should be banned by any county, town or city in Virginia.
They are literally adorable how can they be illegal
You should contact Fairfax County Zoning. They are working on an amendment to allow hedgehogs in Fairfax County. You can send letters and emails in support! Contact info is on their website: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-zoning/zoning-ordinance
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Why are they banned? I am confused, if Fairfax County wants to keep its reputation as the best county ever or whatever, then let kids have pets! They are basically saying that kids shouldn’t have pets! Unbelievable.