Sacramento, CA — The Animal Protection Institute (API) today released the results of an extensive investigation into the largely unregulated private ownership of exotic wild animals kept as “pets” or used as “attractions” at roadside zoos and menageries. The video footage and accompanying report are the most thorough on record and expose disturbing evidence of a lack of concern for public safety and animal welfare by both private owners and federally licensed facilities across the nation and specifically, in Ohio. Major findings include:
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- private owners and federally licensed facilities putting themselves and others in danger of attack
- a number of previously unreported injuries and attacks by exotic animals on owners and others
- public safety concerns including inadequate barriers and visitors allowed direct contact with dangerous exotic animals
- poor animal care conditions
One example of API’s findings is the “Siberian Tiger Conservation Association” in Gambier, OH. At the time of API’s visit, this establishment had lost its USDA exhibitor’s license because a number of people had been attacked and injured by tigers. Despite this, the owner of the facility continued to hold “close encounters” allowing and even encouraging the public to touch, stroke, kiss and even sit on the tigers, a clear violation of the USDA regulations prohibiting direct public contact without a sufficient barrier. During the visit, the owner’s behavior was reckless and irresponsible — threatening the safety of API investigators. Video footage shows an API investigator being attacked by a tiger. Thankfully no one was injured — this time.
Ohio currently has no laws governing the keeping, display, breeding or selling of animals such as bears, cougars, tigers and primates. API would like to see state legislation prohibiting the future private ownership of exotic animals.
“API’s investigation shows that these exotic wild animals do not belong in our homes or neighborhoods,” says Michelle Thew, Chief Executive Officer of API. “Action has to be taken now to put an end to the private ownership of exotic animals to stop the suffering of these animals and before there is another tragedy.”
Ohio has seen at least 10 reported serious incidences involving exotic animals in the last five years. Nationwide, serious incidents are becoming increasingly common. For example, on February 1, an 80-year-old man was killed by a bear at a former petting zoo in Illinois; in August, a 17-year-old Kansas girl was killed by a privately owned Siberian tiger while posing for her senior portrait; and in June a 12-year-old Minnesota boy’s spine was severed after being attacked by a lion and tiger at a store where they were being kept as pets.
“Across the nation, dangerous dogs are more regulated than these dangerous wild animals. This is an accident waiting to happen,” says Thew.
The American Veterinary Medical Association, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Animal Control Association, and the American Zoo and Aquarium Association each oppose the private ownership of certain exotic animals.
API is a national nonprofit animal advocacy organization working to end animal cruelty and exploitation through legislation, litigation, and public education. API also manages a 186-acre Primate Sanctuary that is currently home to more than 400 primates, many of whom were rescued from abusive or exploitative private ownership situations. For more information, visit www.api4animals.org.
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A press kit including report highlights, DVD B-roll and report, or still images on CD are available upon request; email press@api4animals.org.
Contact:
Zibby Wilder, Animal Protection Institute (API), 916-447-3085 x205