News
Exotic Animal Law Goes Into Effect Next Week
By: Michael Locklear
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Ohio's exotic animals law, which restricts ownership of bears, tigers and other animals, goes into effect next week.
A holding facility for the confiscated creatures is in the works.
The director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, David Daniels, says it will provide temporary housing while the state has custody of the animals.
Daniels says the animals won't be put down and the state did look at other options.
"We just believe that this is first of all, better for us, it's better for the taxpayers of the state, it's better for the animals and… our option, I believe, is not as costly as other options that might be available out there," said Daniels.
Construction of the facility in Reynoldsburg is expected to cost nearly $3 million.
Daniels says the goal is to have it up and running by the end of the year.
Michael Locklear is a fellow in Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism Statehouse News Bureau.