After 56 exotic animals escaped in Muskingum County on Tuesday night, resulting in 49 of them being killed, Rep. Debbie Phillips (D-92) plans to introduce legislation banning private ownership of such animals to the Ohio House tomorrow.
The legislation is similar to former-Gov. Ted Strickland’s executive order about exotic animals, but the legislation would formalize the order in law so government departments, like the Ohio Division of Natural Resources, can act on violations, Phillips said.
If the law passes, private individuals would not be able to own exotic animals unless affiliated with a zoo, Phillips said. Existing owners would be grandfathered in, but would be required to register the animals with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and to implant the animals with microchips so they can be tracked in case of an escape, she said.
“These are dangerous animals,” Phillips said. “Not everyone is properly equipped and trained to care for them.”
Although Zanesville is outside of her district, Phillips said exotic animal safety is important statewide, adding that Ohio is one of a few states with little regulation of the ownership of exotic animals.
Phillips said she is not aware of any exotic animals in the district.
Although the Zanesville escape is a tragedy, Phillips said it is not the only motivation for the legislation.
“The recent escape (in Muskingum County) was a tragedy for everyone,” said Phillips. “For the residents worried about their safety, for the animals who were killed and for the deputies who were forced to take their lives.”
Phillips will submit the legislation today and introduce it the House floor tomorrow, she said, adding that she hopes it will move through congress with little controversy.
