STONY RIDGE, OH (Toledo News Now) - A new exotic animal law is now in effect less than a year after the Zanesville tragedy. An exotic animal owner in stony ridge is not too fond of the law or governor John Kasich.
"I'm always been in compliance with the USDA but that doesn't seem to matter to the Governor, he just wants to eliminate all lions, tigers and bears and wants them out of Ohio," said Kenny Hetrick.
For the past 35 years, Kenny Hetrick has owned Tiger Ridge Exotics in Stony Ridge and now the future of his refuge could be in jeopardy.
"I didn't do nothing wrong, Terry Thompson is the one that let all the cats go but, they're just throwing a blanket over everybody now," said Hetrick.
On October 18 of last year, Terry Thompson of Zanesville released 56 animals from his farm before committing suicide.
The new law immediately bans Ohio residents from buying or selling dangerous wild animals. Current owners can keep animals but must obtain a new state-issued wildlife shelter permit by January 1, 2014. Owners cannot knowingly release animals back into wild and they must have microchips inserted and be registered with the state by November 5.
"I got animals here, that's over 20 years old and if I tranquilize them and put them to sleep to microchip them, it's going to kill them," Hetrick.
The law also states that permits for the animals will range from $250-$1,000 depending on the number of animals. Officials also want to build a 3.5 million dollar facility to temporarily house the animals confiscated under the law.
"If he starts confiscating all these lions, and tigers and bears, you know, what are you going to do with all these animals? There ain't nobody that's going to take much better care of these animals than I do. I got a lion out there that's 25 years old. That's unheard of, one living that long in the zoo. My animals aren't going anywhere. If it gets right down to it. I'm just going to have to put them all to sleep right here, because there's nobody that's going to take them," said Hetrick.
Certain licensed organizations and facilities, including zoos and circuses, are exempt from paying new fees. Hetrick has a U.S.D.A. exhibitor's permit which is not on the list. The Ohio Association of Animal Owners plans to appeal the law.
Copyright 2012 Toledo News Now. All rights reserved.
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