Another Little Problem

[birdguy888]

It's just never ending with me and being harassed by law enforcement. I got another visit by a DWR officer because of my prairie. Apparently everyone in the neighborhoods I've been walking her around in has been calling him because I have an "illegal falcon". They have been told that I'm licensed to have the bird(s) but some people called the actual police department. Now I have officers coming over tomorrow because the city wants me to have a permit from them for an exotic species! That won't go well!!! The chief of police hates me and he's told me before he doesn't like birds at all so I'm sure he will want the city to deny the license which means it will be back in court with an attorney! It just never ends!!!

[HawkingRage]

IT NEVER ENDS.. SURLY IT WILL BE FUNNY WHEN IT GOES TO COURT AND THE CITY IS TOLD TO SHOVE IT.

[Falcon Boy]

Since when is a native species exotic? People need to chill. Best of luck eddie

[birdguy888]

I love it when I get judgement in court and the city looks bad but I really do get tired of wasting my time in court when I can be with the birds. It's just a pain my royal ass! The birds are considered exotic because they are not readily available to the public. I suspect my first meeting will be in January. They only hold the conditional use permits meetings once or twice a month and basically with the holidays, this month is pretty much out.

[raptrlvr]

My city also required me to get a permit that cost $100. According to the city charter, a raptor is considered a "wild and vicious animal" > I had to go before the city council to see if they would allow it and then I still had to pay for the permit. If any of my neighbors would have objected to me having the bird, I would not be granted permission to have the bird. That was about 18 years ago. I even took a copy of the state and federal regulations in to the Animal Control officer because she did not believe it was legal to have a bird of prey.

[birdguy888]

What kills me is I've done this for 24 years, the police all know me and know I have these birds and NOW all of a sudden it becomes an issue! It's just rediculous! Fortunately the conditionsl use permits here in my city are only $35 if I remember correctly.....cheaper than my falconry licenses!!!! LOL

[HawkingRage]

i wounder the likeleyhood of the division guys contacting the police just to put the heat on you since you have put it on them with a potential lawsuit? thoughts?

[birdguy888]

That could be a definate possibility! Oh well, the way I see it is if they all want to play ball they better be ready to catch cause I'm going to pitch a homer!!!!!

[miket307]

Sounds like they just want to harass you. I mean there are federal regulations that are set up for this very purpose. That's what the Falconry permit is, permission to have and fly a few species of raptors. It's not like you have a 8 foot crocodile in your backyard that is a threat to the neighborhood if it escaped. You are well within your legal rights but you may have to pay for the exotic thing but that's a city ordinance. Best of luck but I don't think you have anything to work about. I don't see the local code enforcement overruling a federally issued permit to have the falconry birds. Ignorant people are idiots...

[birdguy888]

The city ordinance officer showed up today and done nothing but tell me I have to contact the chief of police. This is not going to go well. I'll see what he has to say and then I'm positive I'll immediately be on the phone with one of my attorneys!

[dhknecht]

birdguy -- What ever became of this? As an attorney myself, I'd love to know. There may even be some constitutional issues as the city is limiting a federal right, which is not authorized under the federal falconry statutes.

[Falcon Boy]

He has left the forum. If you would like his email address, please PM me.