Zanesville, Ohio has been called the “wild west of animal ownership” with good reason. The large number of exotic pets living in Ohio reaches into the thousands. Up until recently there have been no regulations on the ownership of exotic animals in Ohio. It took one deadly night to change that.
In 2011 a tragic and deadly slaughter took place in Zanesville, Ohio. 48 exotic animals died. Among the dead were 18 rare bengal tigers, 17 lions, 6 black bears, 2 grizzly bears, 3 mountain lions, 2 wolves, and a baboon. They were released into the small town by the preserve owner, Terry Thompson. These exotic animals were kept as pets by Thompson and before he committed suicide he let them free in the rural town of Zanesville, Ohio. Calls from confused and scared citizen poured into Animal Control and the Police Station when they spotted the animals near the highways and in parking lots. Police officers feared for the public’s safety and due to the large number of animals let loose, they were forced to kill the animals before they could inflict damage to innocent people.
Due to this tragic event, Ohio legislation drafted the Dangerous Wild Animal Bill to help protect exotic animals, and potentially the public, from another fatal event. The law was signed into office by Ohio Governor John Kasich on June 5, 2012. The law has immediate, as well as delayed, regulations. There is a ban on trading and selling exotic animals and all current exotic pet owners are required to register with the state.
Coming in October, all Ohio exotic pet owners are required to have permits and liability insurance for each animal. For animals used as pets, and not for breeding purposes, the permits range from $250 (1-3 dangerous wild animals) to $1,000+ (additional $125 for every dangerous wild animal over 15 animals). Insurance requirements start at $200,000 (1-5 dangerous wild animals) and can exceed $1 million (16 or more dangerous wild animals). Those are the minimum requirements. In addition to paying up, owners also need to pass a written exam or have prior experience taking care of the species, follow the stands of care document, and have a plan of action in case the animal escapes. Animals must be microchipped, sterilized, and have at least one acre of land.
This strict and extensive law is receiving a lot of criticism. As of right now only about 400 animals have been registered but they are claiming thousands are still thought to being kept illegally and without permits. According to the Arrowhead Reptile Rescue, they already received calls from at least 100 pet owners looking to relinquish their pets.
If you are living in Ohio and would like more information visit Ohio’s Department of Agriculture website. To find out how many exotic pets are living in your area, use this zip code tool on www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com.
First off the only animals that were found off the property was I believe a bear and a lion. They were near the fence near the highway. They were NOT in any PARKING LOTS nor were there “concerned citizens” it was the neighbor that had horses that called in. they also NEVER MADE IT TO TOWN. PLEASE if you are going to report on this tragic massacre of all these beautiful animals at least get it right. This is exactly what kind of journalism that warrants everyone doubting now the media
Kasich and Hanna were pushing for the law long before the incident at Zanesville.
“TOO STRICT”. There should be NO exotic pets privately owned outside sanctuaries with no one grandfathered in. All exotic cats need to be on preserves and accredited zoos.
Kasich is the devil! Making it all up as it goes! What he says is just that! Their is no bargaining tools here! Even the best people qualified to help with this law have already quit because of the governor’s unwillingness to compromise any kind of agreement! Many animals will die because of this law, there are not enough sanctuaries in the United States to possibly take all of the exotic animals that owners have.Instead of helping owners by grandfathering in what is currently owned they are going to confiscate them and euthanize them! Or keep them in a prison where they will never see the light of day, amongst strangers who are not qualified to care for them! This will be one of the worst disasters ever in Ohio history!
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