Mass exotic escape in Ohio brings calls for emergency restrictions
By Jeff Barringer · October 19, 2011 8:01 am
Authorities near Zanesville, Ohio, have shot and killed 30 of the estimated 48 exotic animals, including lions, bears, camels, and cheetahs, known to have escaped from an Ohio animal sanctuary after the owner's death yesterday. Authorities have yet to release information into the owners cause of death, though they have said it was not "suspicious."
The Humane Society of the United States has already jumped into the fray, urging Ohio to immediately issue emergency restrictions on the sale and possession of "dangerous wild animals."
"How many incidents must we catalogue before the state takes action to crack down on private ownership of dangerous exotic animals," Humane Society Wayne Pacelle said in a statement.
Reptile owners and keepers in Ohio should look for even more regulatory efforts in the coming days, weeks, and months as this will exacerbate an already problematic situation for Ohio exotic pet and reptile hobbyists. For all the latest updates on this developing story check out Google News.
