COMMENTARY | Scenes on the national news showing SWAT teams with night vision goggles hunting 51 freed wild animals in Zanesville, Ohio, depict the dark side of exotic animal ownership. A troubled ex-convict exotic animal collector released his lions, wolves, tigers and bears, then shot himself Tuesday night.
Inhumane treatment of the animals and the danger they posed to the community illustrates the need for laws which protect the innocent creatures and humans. Exotic animals on the Zanesville farm were often heard moaning and whimpering by neighbors with several escaping their enclosures on multiple occasions.
Are all exotic animal owners mean and careless? Are all exotic animals too dangerous to own? The answer to both questions is a resounding no. Ohio is unfortunately known as a one-stop-shop for exotic animals purchases and until Gov. John Kasich receives the plan he tasked the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to create, that is unlikely to change.
In Ohio today I could go to an auction and buy a Bengal tiger without any type of identification or proof of a humane enclosure. But if I wanted to purchase a turtle, I would have to complete a lengthy form and show proof I have a suitable aquarium. Until the turtle reaches 2 inches in diameter it carries a large concentration of salmonella.
A logical person would realize if you don't lick the turtle and wash your hands you are free from danger. It makes no sense that grizzly bear ownership after an exotic animal farm death last year in Cleveland did not result in at least as much paperwork necessary to buy a turtle with just a soft little egg tooth and germs which are easily avoided.
The Responsible Exotic Animal Ownership is a group of animal lovers who properly house and feed the creatures they care for in a residential or sanctuary setting. The group seeks to educate potential owners about animal needs before making a commitment to a living creature.
My husband once owned a Caiman, which is essentially a smaller version of an alligator. "Boot" lived a very happy life complete with a heating lamp, proper diet, daily walks, and a pond all of his own. If you cannot make the necessary time and financial commitment to care for an exotic animal properly, then visit the local shelter and give a fresh start to a homeless dog or cat.
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