Reacting after it’s too late

Reacting after it’s too late

The killing of 18 Bengal ti- gers, 17 lions and quite a few other wild animals at Zanesville is one more example of a situation being overlooked and action not being taken until tragedy occurs.

Whether or not you agree with Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States, that this could have been prevented by an extension of Gov. Strickland’s executive order on exotic animal ownership, for nearly 50 beautiful animals it is too late.

In the same article (The Vindicator, Oct. 20) Janetta King, Gov. Strickland’s policy director, said it’s “unbelievable that this even existed” and “why Ohio over time didn’t deal with this, but we’ll deal with it now.” Let’s hope so.

Ownership of exotic animals in Ohio should be restricted to those organizations and facilities that have the expertise and resources to be responsible caretakers. Zoos such as Cleveland, sanctuaries such as the Wilds near Athens, or rescue facilities like Noah’s Ark in Berlin Center are examples.

No one should be able to buy an alligator or python only to release it into a reservoir or park when it grows too big to manage. No one should be able to go to an auction and buy a lion, tiger, or bear. And no one should be able to accumulate a menagerie.

When the state does deal with it, we can only hope that it’s done in a way that will effectively eliminate these non-native animals from Ohio. They belong in Africa, South America, Asia, Australia or, wherever else they live naturally. They do not belong in Ohio and they absolutely do not belong in irresponsible hands.

The animals were the innocent victims this time. If there is a next time, it may very well be a human tragedy.

Richard Fogo, Youngstown

Some people get off easy

What’s wrong with this situation. I’m a senior citizen, retired teamster living on Social Security and Medicare. My question is why do I have to pay $42 for 30 Lipitor while people on S.S.I. and Medicaid pay probably nothing for the same thing. Is this fair?

Ron Lepsesty, Niles