Ohio governor: Ban exotic wild animal auctions

Ohio governor: Ban exotic wild animal auctions

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio’s governor wants to halt exotic animal auctions and wonders why anyone owns wild animals such as bears or primates.

Gov. John Kasich spoke of the ideas last month to a working group studying ways to change the state’s laws on exotic animals. The meeting minutes were released late last week.

The group sped up its work on recommendations after dozens of exotic animals were released last month by their private owner, who then killed himself, leaving deputies to put down many of the beasts.

Kasich told the group during their Oct. 31 meeting that no one should own wild animals such as bears or primates.

Kasich also called for a ban on auctions where exotic wild animals are sold, and suggested that fees be significant.