Help Protect Our Precious Exotic Animals!

Final signature count: 28,981

Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site

Sign the petition asking for a ban on private exotic animal ownership. Stand up for animal and human safety alike!

In Ohio, a ban on ownership of exotic animals such as tigers, primates, and large snakes has expired. This means that rare animal collectors are once again allowed to procure wild, exotic animals.

The ban was necessary. In late 2010, a man was mauled to death while attempting to feed one of his black bears. The tragic event underscores the need for stricter animal regulations.

Most people who purchase exotic animals for private use are not properly trained to handle the animals, and therefore put themselves, the people around them, and the animals in grave danger. Wild animals are unpredictable and should only be allowed to interact with highly-trained individuals.


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The Petition:

Dear Ohio legislators:

I am writing to ask that you reinstate the ban on private ownership of exotic animals. It's simply unsafe for untrained individuals to own and handle wild animals like tigers or bears.

In August 2010 a young man was mauled to death by a bear he was attempting to feed. The man and the bear were very well-acquainted as the man handled the bear daily. No matter how familiar a person is with a wild animal such as a bear, the possibility remains that the animal can turn at any second. That was unfortunately what happened to the young man.

Attacks like the one in August 2010 are 100% preventable. All that needs to happen is the passing of legislation that doesn't allow private citizens to obtain exotic animals without proper training and permits.

Please advocate for safety and implement a ban on private ownership of exotic animals.

Thank you for your time.

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Victory! In 2014, Ohio passed the Dangerous Wild Animal Bill which "restricts and regulates the ownership of certain species of animals that are defined as either "dangerous wild animals" or "restricted snakes." The law defines dangerous wild animals to include most non-human primates, some reptiles, and many mammals that are not ordinarily kept in households or as pets."
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