Owners of exotic animals can soon get Ohio permits

COLUMBUS (AP) — Keeping bears, tigers, jaguars or other exotic animals in Ohio will soon require a new state-issued permit.

Owners can start applying Thursday as the final parts of the state’s crackdown on dangerous wild animals sets in. Ohio officials can seize the animals if owners are found housing them without a permit starting next year.

The law was strengthened after the release of dozens of animals, including lions and tigers, by their suicidal owner in 2011.