Tagged: exotic animals

An Ohio lawmaker plans today to introduce a proposal to ban new ownership of exotic animals.

State Sen. Troy Balderson's office says the measure would also prohibit people from acquiring additional dangerous wildlife. Zoos, circuses, sanctuaries and research facilities would be exempt.

Owners of lions, tigers and other large animals would be banned in 2014 from keeping the creatures unless they met strict care standards.

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.

Animals rights advocates say state leaders are not doing enough to deal wtih problems involving exotic animals in Ohio. Statehouse correspondent Jo Ingles reports.