AP: Ohio to house seized exotic animals

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio officials want to build a state facility that would temporarily house potentially dozens of exotic animals confiscated under a new law that is about to take effect.

A price tag is still being calculated, a spokeswoman for the state’s Department of Agriculture told The Associated Press today. And a legislative committee would have to approve the funds.

Any seized animals, which could range from long constricting snakes to Bengal tigers, would be cared for under the supervision of the state veterinarian, said Erica Pitchford, the department’s spokeswoman.

The proposal comes as the state prepares to crack down on owners of exotic animals, without yet knowing exactly how many lions, leopards, bears and other creatures are living in the state.

The facility would be built at the department’s campus in a rural part of Reynoldsburg, just outside Columbus, Pitchford said.