Update: This bill failed to pass.
Bill Description: If passed, this bill will ban the future private possession of certain exotic animals as “pets,” including wolves, wild cats, elephants, black bears, non-human primates, and venomous snakes. Persons possessing these animals prior to the effective date of the act would be allowed to keep the animals if they obtain a permit from the state wildlife agency. Animals possessed in violation of this law would be subject to confiscation. The bill does not apply to accredited zoos, animal shelters, accredited wildlife sanctuaries, and circuses.
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These animals belong in their natural habitat and not in the hands of private individuals as “pets.” By their very nature, these animals are potentially dangerous and do not adjust well to a captive environment. Across the country, many incidents have been reported where exotic animals held in private hands have attacked humans and other animals, or have escaped from their enclosure and freely roamed the community. In Ohio during the last 10 years, there have been a string of incidents involving venomous snakes, wild cats and non-human primates that have left individuals injured and even including some deaths. For example, on 09/06/04, a woman in North College Hill died after being bitten by one of her venomous snakes. The American Veterinary Medical Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all oppose private possession of certain dangerous wild animals.