Though Ohio’s Dangerous Wild Animal Act has banned the selling, breeding, and trading of exotic animals and required annual permits for registered owners, the new law remains mired in controversy. There have been court challenges and high implementation costs, though the actual cost to taxpayers is difficult to discern. Adam M. Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA, believes private owners should not possess exotic animals for three reasons: animal welfare risk, public safety, and environmental concerns. “These animals are not suited for living in people’s homes or backyards,” Roberts said. Visit Born Free USA’s Exotic Animal Incidents Database for numerous examples of dangerous interactions between humans and exotic animals.
Link: Dayton Daily News