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Governor’s task force: Ban ownership of wild animals
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
A task force created by Gov. John Kasich is recommending a ban on most private ownership of dangerous wild animals as of 2014.
Only zoos, research facilities, circuses and a limited range of comparable facilities would be allowed to possess bears, certain snakes and other restricted species, according to the group’s five-page report that was released Monday.
Additionally, the Ohio Department of Agriculture would develop rules for licensing and inspecting permitted facilities, with criminal penalties for Ohioans who maintain ownership of dangerous wild animals after the prohibitions take effect.
The recommendations are not the final word on the matter. The governor’s office and lawmakers will review the report in coming days and weeks and work with the state’s legislative service commission to codify them in legislation.
Sen. Troy Balderson, a Republican from Zanesville, has said he plans to sponsor the resulting bill, which would require approval by the Ohio House and Senate and the governor’s signature.
“I look forward to reviewing their recommendations in full and in working with my Senate colleagues to craft legislation that is focused on preserving the safety of Ohio’s citizens while also maintaining the well-being of our animals,” he said.
Balderson’s Senate district was thrust into the national spotlight last month after the troubled owner of dozens of bears, lions, tigers and other wild animals released them and then committed suicide.
Sheriff’s deputies were forced to kill dozens of the animals to prevent them from escaping into surrounding communities.
The situation occurred months after Kasich allowed an executive order, signed by his predecessor, to expire that banned the private ownership and sale of such animals.
Though supportive of the ban, Kasich and other officials said the state did not have authority to enforce it or animal registration requirements without changes to state law.
Kasich directed a statewide working group to study the issue and offer recommendations for law changes to better deal with the private ownership of dangerous exotic and wild animals.
That group issued its report Monday. Among the recommendations:
The state would ban private ownership of dangerous mammals, primates, venomous snakes and other animals as of Jan. 1, 2014.
Licensed propagators and sanctuaries would be exempt from the ban but required to meet state regulations and inspection requirements concerning animals’ confinement, health and safety.
State officials would confiscate any restricted animals found in the possession of others after the ban takes effect. Individuals caught with restricted animals could face civil and criminal penalties.
Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive officer of the Humane Society of the United States, said the recommendations are encouraging and urged lawmakers to act quickly.
“Lions, tigers, chimps and other powerful wild animals do not belong in our backyards or basements and should only be found in their natural habitats or accredited zoos and sanctuaries,” he said. “It’s now time for the legislature to act and to do something that is proportional to the nature of this severe problem in Ohio. It should act before the end of the year, so that not another month goes by without strong standards in Ohio.”