Nugent blasts Kasich on exotic animal law

LANSING, Mich., Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Rocker Ted Nugent, an avid hunter, says Ohio Gov. John Kasich is to blame for a devastating exotic animal escape near Zanesville, Ohio.

Nugent, who is known for his support of gun ownership and hunting rights, said Kasich should never have ended an executive order from the previous governor that banned exotic animal ownership.

"These are real, wild, dangerous, capable and dangerous animals and they belong in the wild," Nugent told The Detroit News Wednesday.

Nearly 50 animals, including 17 lions and 18 tigers, were killed by deputies Wednesday after the owner of an exotic game preserve freed dozens of wild animals Wednesday before committing suicide.

"I think it's a downright tragedy when people attempt to keep dangerous wild animals in captivity -- I think it should be criminal," he said.

Nugent told the newspaper he was the "only dangerous carnivore" on his 1,200-acre Michigan hunting ranch. "And I'm totally controlled by Mrs. Nugent," he said.