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Exotic Animal Ban Bill Will Likely Be Introduced Early Next Year

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The expected sponsor of a bill that would ban casual ownership of exotic animals in Ohio says it will likely be introduced early next year.

Ohio state Sen. Troy Balderson says the two weeks left in the 2011 legislative calendar aren't enough to craft a comprehensive bill.

Lawmakers were waiting on a report from Gov. John Kasich's exotic animal task force start drafting a bill.

They released the report Wednesday.

Kasich called for an expedited report after sheriff's deputies had to kill 48 animals released near Zanesville by owner Terry Thompson before he killed himself.

The report suggests the ban start in 2014. Owners would have to meet new temporary safety standards before then and register their animals with the state.

Zoo, circuses and research facilities would be exempt.