Ohio Lays Down the Law for Exotic Pet Owners

Once again, it has been proven that one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch. Evidently, an irresponsible owner who had Bengal tigers and some lions on his farm released them because he was feeling suicidal. The authorities ended up having to kill most of them, even though the animals weren't likely feeling the same. So, rather than just deal with the one person, authorities decided to make new rules for everyone.

The rules are bad news for would-be future collectors of exotic pets: In Ohio, they won't be able to. Those that already have them will have to permits and meet certain requirements, as well as follow some other new rules, some of which are aggravating at best.

"The measure, which seeks to regulate wildlife in the state, would ban new ownership of lions, tigers and other exotic animals, allowing current owners to keep their pets by obtaining new permits by 2014. The owners would have to pass background checks, obtain insurance, install microchips in the creatures and show they can adhere to caretaking and safety measures. Zoos, circuses, sanctuaries and research facilities would be exempt." - Ann Sanner for the Associated Press

Many of the resident pet owners have legitimate concerns. Those who cannot afford to abide by the legislation are concerned they might have to put their animals down to avoid keeping them illegally. Other comments stress that these new laws would only force the industry and the owners to go underground, which could be more harmful to the animals in the long run.

One exception to collecting and breeding new animals is snakes. Even those that are venomous and those that are constrictors are allowed as long as the owner has emergency plans in case there is an escape or if someone is bitten.

One article reports the words of an exotic pet keeper:

  

"Snake owner David Sagan, who takes snakes and other reptiles into schools as part of his work at the Hocking Woods Nature Center in Nelsonville, described the proposed requirements as cumbersome and discouraging. Plus, Sagan said, constrictors are gentler than the proposed rules make them out to be." - Boston, MA News

Up to this point, Ohio has had lesser restrictions on exotic pets than many other states. It was back in October when the state government decided to make changes, which was when the man released his animals from his farm.

"The bill has the support of Republican Gov. John Kasich and the Columbus Zoo. The head of the Humane Society of the United States has said the measure would be a vast improvement for Ohio but had concerns over certain exemptions and snake ownership rules. Tuesday's hearing was the first chance opponents had to speak to the legislative panel considering the bill. A committee vote has not been scheduled. And the chairman of the Senate's Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Committee said he planned to take as much time as needed for people to be heard."

Apparently, it takes a village to raise an exotic pet; that is, if you are even allowed to have one.