Ohio legislator proposes ban on owning exotic pets
The exotic animals rescued from a Zanesville animal farm and taken to the Columbus Zoo.
Copyright 2011 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Posted: 10/20/2011
COLUMBUS, Ohio - A Democratic state legislator is proposing a ban on the private ownership of exotic animals in Ohio after 50 wild pets were killed by police when their owner turned them loose and committed suicide.
The proposal announced Thursday by state Rep. Debbie Phillips of Athens would allow existing owners with federal licenses to keep animals but require them to register with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. It also would require owners to embed microchips in animals so they could be tracked if they escape. A bill has not yet been introduced.
Muskingum County officials say animal owner Terry Thompson shot himself Tuesday after releasing lions, tigers, grizzlies and other beasts into his community near Zanesville. Sheriff's deputies killed 48 animals; six were taken in by the Columbus Zoo.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
PRINT
Around Ohio Headlines
-
2012 voter fraud probe findings coming
Ohio's elections chief says he's wrapped up a review by county election boards across the swing state into allegations of voter fraud during the 2012 presidential election.
-
Free Kings Island admission for military
Current and former members of the U.S. military will get free admission to Kings Island amusement park in southwest Ohio over Memorial Day weekend.
-
Doctors save Ohio boy by 'printing' tube
-
Ohio Internet cafe crackdown approved
-
More safety planned after park falls
-
Safety measures planned after park falls
-
Teen pleads not guilty in slayings
- Trending now on newsnet5
