Tragedy in Zanesville

[LBrown59]

This happened about 60 miles from me.

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Tragedy in Zanesville

Baby steps
October 20, 2011 - Erin O'Neill

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Like many others, I was glued to the television, scouring the Internet for more information on the horrific events that took place just a little over an hour's drive from Marietta.
What happened at an exotic animal farm in Zanesville is something that has attracted worldwide attention but has, unfortunately, cast Ohio in a bad light. Just a click on any media outlet's website covering the event reveals comment after comment from readers who are appalled by the actions of law enforcement, saddened by the senseless deaths of so many amazing and powerful animals, judgmental of the "backwards" mentality of Ohioans. These people, of course, were not there and have no way of knowing how much more serious this event could have become. Neither do I.
Thankfully, no humans were hurt. But being the big animal lover that I am, I can't help but think there could have or should have been another way to avoid this. I'm not saying the ultimate outcome on the part of law enforcement and zoo officials, including Jack Hanna, was incorrect. I just wish the whole situation had never had to happen. The owner, who took his own life after releasing his animals, should definitely hold the brunt of the public's outrage, but he is not solely to blame.
Ohio does have some of the most lenient laws regarding owning exotic animals like the lions, tigers, wolves and other creatures that were kept on Terry Thompson's 73-acre farm. Currently, Ohio only has regulations on breeders or exhibitors of exotic animals. The current law states that owners must have a health certificate for each animal and they need to have a certificate of inspection by a veterinarian. An all-out ban on exotic animals owned by private individuals was proposed by former Governor Strickland, but his executive order expired when he left office and Governor Kasich has not yet renewed the legislation.
The Humane Society of the United States has named Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Ohio as the worst in the nation in policies on keeping dangerous animals as pets. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which was on the scene in Zanesville, has said there is no way of knowing how many exotic animals are being kept in the state.
Hanna said the accessibility of these animals through auctions in the state is to blame for many private exotic farms popping up and that there needs to be stricter regulation.
So Ohio is definitely under scrutiny now to change its laws but it took a senseless act towards 40-some helpless wild animals to make anyone wake up and pay attention. To me, that is unacceptable.

 

[whistlepig]

I read this earlier today. I think I hunted next door to this place many years ago in Zaleski National Forest. I would have to research this a bit more to be sure. It would be scary to live close to a place like this.

 

[creekbend]

We have a similar set up here in Southern Caswell County, NC. Here is a composite description that is listed in this week's issue of the Caswell Messenger- the local newspaper. "Conserators' Center is a non-profit organization that preserves threatened species through rescuing wildlife in need, responsible captive breeding, and providing educational programs and support worldwide". The listing goes on and states this question in regards to a future Christmas tour. "Have you ever seen a lion, tiger, or wolf tussle with a Christmas tree? The scent of pine makes them go wild". Dates and further information to come. This was copied exactly from my copy dated 10/19/2011. I have never been there, and I do not know of anyone that has. I suppose there is adequate security fencing employed around the perimeter. It is located approximately 12-15 miles from us.:confused2:

 

[Smallplot]

I think the Sheriff did what had to be done to protect the citizens. I am sure the decision made made by the Sheriff was not made without considerations from numerous viewpoints. Mr Hanna was even saying this was the best route to take with these dangerous wild animals that had lost their natural fear of humans. Lets face it, there were some killing machines listed within the numerous animals let loose there.

It is sad these animals had to be taken out in this manor because one guy decided to let them all loose. From the list I have seen, there were some impressive animals. Glad they caught as many of them as they could. Hope they find good homes in a safe zoo setting so others may still enjoy learning about them.

Guessing from the prior contacts with this individual, there will be new restrictions shortly about keeping these exotic animal types. Nothing like a tragedy to bring about quick laws which are not thought through. But once the new laws are implemented, no matter how impulsive they may be, will last until another tragedy elicits more changes.

 

[71bronco]

I live a couple hours north. I hear some people say that they could of trapped or otherwise captured these animals. To that I say let the animal rights people( PETA,HSUS etc..) come in and do it for us. They think life is a big disney cartoon anyway. This guy was a nut and everybody wants to make a new law all the time. Thats why we are losing our rights to do anything in this country.

Jeff

 

[Western]

To tell you the truth, through this whole news story, I haven't even thought much about Ohio one way or the other.

I also don't see what makes an average "Joe" feel the need to have, probably some of the most powerful creatures in the world, captive in a cage. I have a huge fascination with those animals, but have no desire to have one, sure they are cute when little, beautiful when grown, but they ain't no Shiatsu!!

I really cant see the purpose in it other than a ego "curio" or a "little weenie" complex. JMO

 

[Dougw133]

You'd be surprised. I work as a paramedic and I can't tell you how many times I have walked into houses to see alligators and even a bobcat. I have also been to unfortunate scenarios where the owner died in their home and while we were there to check the "welfare" have discovered their "collection" had gotten out and was loose. Nothing like rolling a body over to find a copperhead coiled up trying to make a new home in the winter

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Listen to the 911 calls:

Zanesville, Ohio, 911 Calls Report Lion and Wolf Sightings

 

[Larry Caldwell]

I live a couple hours north. I hear some people say that they could of trapped or otherwise captured these animals. To that I say let the animal rights people( PETA,HSUS etc..) come in and do it for us. They think life is a big disney cartoon anyway. This guy was a nut and everybody wants to make a new law all the time. Thats why we are losing our rights to do anything in this country.

Jeff

I don't see keeping exotic animals as a "right." It's much more irritating to me that I can't go to the farmer's co-op and buy a case of dynamite to bust some stumps or rocks.

New restrictions spring up for one reason: the failure of personal responsibility. As people get wealthier, they have more ability to cause problems, and as population gets denser, actions that were once acceptable become irritating or even dangerous. I think the process is inevitable.

 

[Bird]

I, too, will never understand why an individual would want to keep such animals, except as an ego trip. In the early '60s there was fellow who lived near Love Field in Dallas and had a full grown male African lion. I saw it a time or two in the back of his station wagon in Downtown Dallas. And before I joined the police department, I understand the police answered calls a couple of times when it got out and one of his neighbors would call about it roaming the neighborhood. Fortunately, no one, including the lion, was ever injured.