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Panel Approves Construction Of Exotic Animal Facility
By: Associated Press
Posted on:
UPDATE 3:45 P.M. A state panel has approved spending up to $3.5 million for a facility that could temporarily hold dozens of exotic animals confiscated under a new Ohio law.
Officials can seize animals if the owners don't meet state requirements or are found housing animals without permits. The Controlling Board on Monday approved money to build the warehouse-type facility in Reynoldsburg, east of Columbus.
Two board members raised concerns about approving the funding ahead of planned public meetings about the facility. Ohio's agriculture director told them it's critical to start the construction process quickly.
The new law came about after a Muskingum County man released 50 animals, including black bears, mountain lions and tigers, from his farm in Zanesville last October.
A state panel is set to vote on funding the construction of a facility that would temporarily house exotic animals confiscated under a new Ohio law.
Ohio officials want to spend $3.5 million build the facility that could hold dozens of animals
Owners of exotic animals in Ohio must start registering them with the state under the new law that came about after a Muskingum County man released 50 animals, including black bears, mountain lions and tigers, from his farm in Zanesville last October.
Ohio officials can seize animals from current owners if those owners don't meet the state's requirements or are found housing an animal without a permit.
The new facility for confiscated animals would be built near the state Agriculture Department's headquarters just east of Columbus.