Exotic animal ban mulled in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Ohio, which has liberal regulations on exotic animals, should ban private ownership of them, a special panel considering the issue says in a draft proposal.

The Columbus Dispatch reported it obtained a summary of the committee's draft proposal. The panel, comprised of government and animal-interest group representatives appointed by the state Department of Natural Resources, discussed its recommendations Monday but did not vote on them.

Gov. John Kasich called for stronger regulations after an incident at a refuge last month in which police killed more than 50 tigers, bears, lions, wolves and primates. Terry W. Thompson released the animals he was keeping on his Zanesville farm from their enclosures before taking his own life.

Under the committee proposal,which would need legislative approval, the regulations would take effect in 2013, and people who own exotic species would have 60 days to register them. They would have a year's grace period to find them new homes.

Research facilities, circuses and zoos would be exempt, along with licensed breeding facilities and sanctuaries. After Jan. 1, 2014, exotic animals could be confiscated.

The list includes large mammals, reptiles and wolf-dog hybrids.