Ohio board sets caging rules for exotic animals

COLUMBUS (AP) — A newly formed board created by Ohio’s law on exotic animals has set temporary rules for cage sizes and caretaking of the dangerous wildlife.

The Dangerous and Restricted Animals Advisory Board met for the first time today to establish interim housing rules for regulated animals, such as alligators, cougars and lions. A legislative panel would have to approve the rules.

The advisory board decides the proper thickness of the animals’ cages and how they should be maintained, among other requirements. More permanent standards will be put in place when new state permits are required in 2014.

Owners must register their exotic animals with state officials by Monday. If they don’t, owners could face a first-degree misdemeanor charge for the first offense, and a fifth-degree felony for each subsequent offense.