The killing of nearly 50 exotic animals in Zanesville, Ohio, last week was a story that captured attention for its oddity. Rare tigers, bears and monkeys, among other animals, were released into the wild after the owner killed himself.

Animals like Bengalese tigers are hardly native to Ohio. The incident highlights the need for states to strongly prohibit the ownership and sale of exotic animals by individuals. Not only are there moral justifications for such a ban, but stricter laws would better ensure public safety. Moreover, the event highlights that not all government regulations are bad regulations.

When Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, entered office in 2010, former Gov. Ted Strickland had signed an executive order that banned exotic pet ownership. Kasich intentionally let the ban expire because of the negative consequences the ban could have on small businesses.

A spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources told AllBusiness.com in February 2011 that if the ban ‘was enforced at this very moment, it would hurt small businesses. You would have people who have no mechanism for properly permitting or they would be in violation.’ The article also said, ‘the new administration slowed the rules-filing process after hearing concerns from business owners.’ There was also a question as to how much authority the state had to regulate the ownership of exotic animals.

Last week, Kasich suddenly saw what effect his action had. In response to the incident, he said, ‘Clearly, we need tougher laws. We haven’t had them in this state. Nobody’s dealt with this, and we will. And we’ll deal with it in a comprehensive way.’

But Kasich had already voiced his opinion on the issue. He let the ban expire and did nothing to re-craft it. He said his administration would look into revising the ban as early as February 2011. Instead, he catered to the irresponsible belief that government regulations are bad because they limit freedom of businesses.

There is a small group of businesses nationwide that caters to exotic pet owners, though there is no legitimate need for individuals to own rare animals. Nor is there a large segment of the population that is selling or buying exotic animals. Prioritizing the needs of business and the few individuals who own rare animals without regard for the affect it can have on the public does more harm than good.

Also, individuals should not be allowed to own exotic animals in unnatural habitats for moral reasons. Animals like those shot in Ohio are not domesticated or legitimate pets. Animals like monkeys, tigers and lions cannot be properly cared for outside of their habitats. The few individuals capable to properly caring for these animals need to have extensive training. These animals belong in the wild, not in someone’s backyard or home, no matter how large the estate.

Kasich has realized his mistake. Leaders like Kasich, who were elected with support from the Tea Party, must realize some governmental regulations are put in place for practical reasons. Less government is not always better for all. Seven other states have no restrictions on the ownership of exotic animals. These states must consider the implications of not prohibiting the ownership and selling of exotic animals.

Harmen Rockler is a junior newspaper journalism and political science major. His column appears every Monday. He can be reached at horockle@syr.edu.

 

Published on October 22, 2011 at 12:00 pm