Vote on wild-animal bill may be soon

May 11, 2012 at 12:00a.m.

COLUMBUS

The head of the legislative panel reviewing new state regulations on the private ownership of dangerous wild animals is eyeing a vote on the legislation next week.

Rep. Dave Hall, a Republican from Millersburg and chairman of the House agriculture committee, asked members to submit proposed amendments by today. He’s scheduled three days of committee sessions on the bill next week just in case but doesn’t plan to hear any further testimony, after three days and 15-plus hours of comments this week from nearly 60 witnesses.

The legislation was introduced months after Ohio was thrust into the international spotlight after an incident in Zanesville in which deputy sheriffs were forced to kill dozens of tigers, bears, lions and other animals let loose by their suicidal owner.

Senate Bill 310, which passed the Ohio Senate last month, addresses the issue by categorizing bears, tigers, lions, elephants, Komodo dragons, crocodiles and other species as “dangerous wild animals” and monkeys, tamarins and other apes as restricted primates.

Existing owners of animals in both categories would be banned from acquiring new ones after the law takes effect. They could keep their existing animals as long as they register with the state, implant microchips in their animals and obtain proper permits

The legislation also would categorize a variety of anacondas, pythons and other restricted snakes, with owners required to obtain possession and propagation permits.

Anyone not holding the proper permits or meeting state requirements would be banned from having dangerous wild animals as of 2014.

While not offering specifics on how the legislation will be amended, Hall was supportive of adding language requiring local governments to formulate plans to deal with animal-emergencies such as the one in Zanesville.

Hall also is considering whether to place limits on the private ownership of dangerous wild animals in close proximity to schools, day-care centers and other public facilities.

Many of those offering testimony during three hearings this week opposed the legislation, saying the issue is being pushed by animal-rights activists and that privately held animals posed little threat to public safety.

The legislation “has no merit as a human-safety issue, health issue or animal-welfare issue,” said Terry Wilkins, owner of a chain of central Ohio reptile stores.

He added, “SB 310 is not going to stop someone from murdering Ohioans and turning their animals loose.”