Ohio law enforcement officers are ready to close the exotic animals escape case, according to USA Today. The exotic pet release in Zanesville last fall prompted emergency animal habitat and care laws in the state.
The investigation report confirmed that exotic farm owner Terry Thompson released 56 dangerous wild animals before shooting himself and no foul play had occurred. Witness statements released in the report discussed Thompson's distraught state of mind because of an estrangement with his wife and a pending home confinement as dictated by the terms of his parole on weapons charges.
Thompson told a federal parole officer he was overwhelmed with the farm just days before releasing the wild animals.
Ohio exotic pet owners and breeders shared their thoughts on the case and new Ohio laws via email, instant messaging and Twitter.
* "If you lived near the Zanesville area you would understand why so many people support the stringent new dangerous animal ownership laws in Ohio. We had such lax laws before that anyone could own, breed and sell lions and tigers and bears. In the worst case scenario like we had here, the animals were housed in deplorable conditions without adherence to proper diet or natural habitat. It is far too dangerous to allow such things to go on. Would you want a bear breeder as a neighbor?" -- Teresa Harkins, dog breeder, Zanesville.
* "What Terry Thompson did should not negatively impact all of us who are responsible exotic animal breeders or owners. I understand the need for much stronger laws about their care, habitat and auctions, but not an outright ban. Boas are even on the list and they are no more dangerous than a German shepherd." -- Lynn Andrews, snake breeders, Marietta.
* "I have owned chimps for nearly 30 years and have never mistreated them or posed a danger to my neighbors. I am more than willing to take a species care examination and be monitored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. My enclosure is safe and as natural as it can be outside of a zoo. I guarantee you that I take better care of my chimps than those at circuses which operate in Ohio. Circuses, no matter how longstanding should not be automatically exempt." -- Dee Mason, chimp sanctuary, Port Clinton.
* "Ohioans can just as easily mistreat common domestic pets as they can reptiles. I can understand that exotics like bears and big cats need far more regulation, but venomous snakes have yet to ever cause a problem like the one that happened in Zanesville. Monitor and license breeders and owners and review the types of animals permitted on an individual basis and not just issue a blanket order." -- Ron Masters, reptile breeder, Mansfield.
* "My neighbors love my pets and know that I take extreme measures to house them safely and properly. I would welcome inspections and am willing to pay annual licensing fees. That depressed man who shot himself in Zanseville is giving a bad name to all exotic pet owners and breeders and it is just not right. He killed himself with a gun bought from a sheriff's deputy who has a dealer's license. Maybe gun dealing laws should be looked at more closely as well. Zoos cannot always take care of the casually discarded animals former owners let go. Small non-profit refuges and breeders often do a lot of for species with dwindling numbers." -- Lucinda Conrad, former big cat owner, Canton.
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