Milwaukee’s “lion” saga could be avoided

Legislation looks to end exotic animals as pets

MADISON, Wis. – Lions prowling around Milwaukee would be less likely to happen if legislation proposed by a state senator becomes law. 

Republican Senator Van Wanggaard wants to prohibit keeping exotic animals like lions, for the safety of the public if they get loose, but, also, if police are called to a home where the animals are kept. 

In those situations, says the former cop, a wild animal can create a great deal of danger to the officer and can also lead to the unnecessary death of the animal.

Wanggaard notes, while many municipalities – like La Crosse – already prohibit keeping exotic animals, those animals don’t necessarily abide by city boundary lines should they get out and start roaming around.

The lion that has been spotted several times roaming around Milwaukee has yet to be captured.  Police say it’s highly likely the animal is an African lion that has been kept as a pet.