Editorial: Peduto should sign gator law

Lock up your gators.

Or at least tell people you have them.

Pittsburgh City Council took a bold stance against modern-day dinosaurs last week when passing an ordinance that requires dangerous reptiles be registered.

It might seem ridiculous in a city north of the Mason-Dixon line, a community with cold, slushy, icy winters that could not be more different from the tropical climes of Florida where lakes and ponds are posted because of the dangers of Jurassic World-type predators.

Unfortunately, it’s not.

In 2019, the city and its rivers were the scene of several honest-to-Pete alligator encounters in an area more known for wildlife like deer and groundhogs.

Ha ha, one might think. Someone loosed a baby alligator in the sewer. Not quite.

One of the scaly creatures was 5 feet long — more than big enough to cause real problems. The smallest was 2.5 feet long and still probably more than you want roaming the neighborhood while your kids are playing in the yard.

The new ordinance would require lists of dangerous reptiles like alligators, crocodiles and poisonous snakes to be submitted to the Animal Care and Control Department. It demands escape-proof enclosures and posted notices. And it provides for fines that should discourage carelessness — up to $1,000 per reptile for repeat violators.

Mayor Bill Peduto says he is not sure whether he will sign it. He should, especially if he wants to continue fighting the city’s gun ordinance in court on the grounds of public safety.

Because while it’s a comical scenario that reads like a bad science-fiction movie, it’s not that funny. It’s really just about keeping people safe. In the event of a fire, a firefighter should know he needs to watch out for a poisonous snake. In the event of a 911 call, an EMT should know to beware of gator.

Dogs have to be registered. Guns have to be registered. The prehistoric pet next door should have to be registered, too.