COMMENTARY | The eyes of the nation are on the small Ohio city of Zanesville today. The release of approximately 51 wild animals from an exotic farm is costing taxpayers thousands of dollars and frightening residents. Fresh out of prison, property owner Terry Thompson took his own life after releasing his collection of bears, lions, tigers and wolves into the community.
Who is to blame and how can Ohio alter its reputation as a haven for the exotic animal trade? Wild animals should not be confined to small cages and concrete pens, nor should Ohioans be afraid to allow children to play on the backyard swing set.
Liberals are quick to blame Gov. John Kasich for not renewing an order issued by former Gov. Ted Strickland, but renowned animal expert Jack Hanna sees the issue from a common-sense point of view. The Ohio native refused to get into a political debate when appearing on national newscasts. Hanna's insight on the origins of the problem at exotic animal auctions and enforcement feasibility are correct and appear to be shared by Gov. Kasich.
The governor did not ignore the problems with Ohio's lax exotic animal laws when he allowed the order to sunset. He tasked the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to study the issue and develop real legislative reform. Strickland's order would have only required notification of exotic animals and their offspring held in captivity and revoked the licenses of those with animal care related convictions.
If an exotic animal collector or farm owner had a licensed revoked under the terms of the order, there was nothing to prevent continued operations under a relative or friend's name.
No one would ever doubt Hanna's love and commitment to the animal kingdom. Hopefully, his intelligent statements will squash the developing partisan banter and protect wild animals from a dismal life in the Buckeye State. Hanna aptly noted the problems with the Strickland executive order.
Where would the money come from for salaries of all the new enforcement officers needed to monitor exotic animals and to care for creatures which must be removed? Hanna noted Ohio zoos could not take in massive numbers of removed animals and stopping exotic auctions would stem the flow of wild animals while making the most significant impact on the dangerous and growing problem.
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