Lions, Tigers and Skunks—Here's a List of Animals You Can't Own in Dearborn

Honey Boo Boo would have a hard time in Dearborn.

Though the reality TV star's pot-bellied pig may prove humorous on her show, it's now part of a list of animals that require a permit or are unlawful to be kept as pets in the city of Dearborn.

The amendment to the Animals Chapter of the city code was approved by council at their Tuesday night meeting.

According to a memo sent to city officials by the Legal Department on behalf of the Dearborn Animal Shelter, shelter officials made the request to add a list "fad" pets which, the city says, "become a burden and are then abandoned at the animal shelter."

"These are animals that are not conducive to city life," Council President Tom Tafelski explained at the council's Jan. 29 meeting.

The amendment reads:

It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or allow to be kept within the city any exotic, wild and dangerous animals including but not limited to hedgehogs, skunks, raccoons, chipmunks, alligators, tigers, lions, monkeys, constrictor snakes.

City Council also approved the addition of potbellied pigs and sheep to the list of animals that require a permit to own in Dearborn. That list includes typical farm animals, such as cows, horses, goats or fowl—anything except a cat, dog, or "other harmless domestic pet."

Do you think Dearborn residents should be able to own exotic pets? Share your thoughts in the comments.