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Ohio Ban On Exotic Animals Proposed

A study group is proposing that Ohio ban new ownership of venomous snakes, monkeys, tigers and other dangerous animals with only limited exceptions.

The group has been holding expedited meetings since last month, when police were forced to kill 48 wild animals — including endangered Bengal tigers — after their owner freed them from his Zanesville farm and then committed suicide.

A summary of the group's input and state agencies' recommendations for new regulations was obtained by The Associated Press on Monday, after the group's final meeting.

The guidelines suggest the ban start in 2014. Owners would have to meet new temporary safety standards before then and also register their animals with the state.

Zoo, circuses and research facilities would be exempt.

Stories from the Associated Press.