Houston Zoo Removes Signs Prohibiting Guns

HOUSTON (CBSDFW.COM) - The Houston Zoo is taking down all signs that prohibit guns. The reason? A state law that was passed in 2003. The bill reads:

"A political subdivision of the state may not provide notice a concealed handgun licensee is prohibited from entering or remaining on its property unless license holders are actually prohibited by law from carrying a handgun on the premises."

Why are they taking the signs down now? An update to the law now provides a stiff penalty for those who are found violating the bill. Fines range from $1,500 per day to more than $10,000 per day for those who fail to remove the signs.

"I don't think it's necessary," a zoo visitor told CNN. "I mean, we're not hunting animals. That's crazy."

"I think that, if you have a license to carry, you should be able to carry wherever you're at to protect yourself," another visitor added. "You never know what crazy person is going to come in the zoo."

A complaint was recently filed by Houston attorney Edwin Walker, who represents Texas Law Shield, a comapny which offers legal defense for concealed handgun license holders. Walker told CNN, "I'm just trying to make sure the rights of lawful Texas concealed handgun license holders are not underlie violated by a policy that has been against the law for the last 12 years."

More buildings in the Houston area could soon receive complaints, including the Houston Police Department's administration building.