When around 50 bears, lions, wolves, tigers, and other dangerous wild animals got loose from a private menagerie in Zanesville, Ohio, on October 18, local authorities were forced to shoot to death most of the animals. This sad incident could have been prevented.
(Members of the media: please call Katie Jarl at 301-258-1483.)
Ohio is one of fewer than 10 states that don't regulate private ownership of dangerous wild animals, jeopardizing public safety and animal welfare. But you can help change that.
Take Action in Ohio: It's Time to Ban Dangerous Exotic Animals in Ohio
Not in Ohio? Take action to support the Captive Primate Safety Act, and ask the White House to halt the trade in pythons and other dangerous constrictor snakes.
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Contact the Governor
Tell Governor John Kasich that Ohio must act now to restrict the posession and sale of dangerous animals.
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Contact the Department of Natural Resources
Ask the Ohio DNR to immediately issue emergency regulations restricting the sale and possession of dangerous wild animals. Submit your comments
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Join Our Community
You'll get HSUS action alerts when your help is needed: Text HUMANE to 30644 or sign up below. Get alerts
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Take the Poll
The Cleveland Plain Dealer is running a poll that asks "should Ohioans keep dangerous and exotic animals as pets? "Say no
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Learn More
Read The HSUS's new “ Ohio’s Fatal Attractions” report and fact sheet. Then share them with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Download the reportGet the factsheet
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Watch The Elephant in the Living Room
This ACE-award-winning new documentary sheds light on the problem of exotic animal ownership. Watch the trailer on YouTube
News & Resources
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Animal Deaths Could Have Been Prevented
Dozens of animals like lions, bears, and wolves died in Ohio today. These deaths would likely have been avoided if emergency regulations preventing animal abusers from owning animals had not been allowed to expire in April. Get details
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"Ohio's Fatal Attractions"
The HSUS's new report provides detailed information on facilities that, despite serious, repeated violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act, are allowed to own dangerous animals. Download the report
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Worst States for Exotics
Ohio has one of the nation's weakest laws on exotic animals. How does your state rank? See a map
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Wild Things Next Door
ABC News filmed a story on the dangers of owning exotic pets, and how shockingly easy they are for anyone to buy. Watch the video
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Ban Exotic Pets
The Toledo Blade speaks out against the ownership of dangerous and exotic animals. Read the editorial
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A Mother's Plea: Ban Private Ownership of Exotic Animals
Deirdre Herbert, the mother of Brent Kandra who was killed by a captive bear, calls for action to prevent another tragedy. Read more
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Landmark Agreement
A landmark agreement led by Governor Strickland will protect farm animals, address cockfighting and puppy mills, and prohibit private possession of dangerous wild animals. Read the story
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The Columbus Dispatch Weighs In
"Restricting the trade and ownership of dangerous wild animals in this state is the right step for the health of these animals and for the safety of all Ohioans." Read the story
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Op-Ed: Wayne Pacelle
The HSUS's President and CEO: It is unconscionable that it takes a tragedy to wake people up to the dangers posed by wild animals all too commonly owned as pets. Read the op-ed
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Incidents in Ohio
Recent exotic animal escapes and attacks in Ohio demonstrate the risks to public health and safety and animal welfare. Download the PDF
