After the incident, individuals and organizations pressured the state government to change laws to keep people and animals safer.
The words "exotic pet" frightens many, but little do many people know that when they support exotic pet bans, they may be empowering bans for their own pets, such as ferrets, sugar gliders and select rodents that they don't consider to be exotics (not to mention breed-specific legislation of domesticated animals). Check out these 10 exotic pets and find out where in the country you can own them. The Zanesville, Ohio, "Zoo Massacre," which ended with the deaths of 18 tigers, 17 lions, 6 black bears, 2 grizzly bears, 3 mountain lions, 2 wolves, and a baboon after they were allegedly set free by their suicidal owner, Terry Thompson, sent legislators into a frenzy to amend previous bills that were said to be far too lenient on what exotic pets could be legally owned in Ohio.
With there being over 8 million animals in the world and still another 80% left undiscovered, there’s bound to be enough exotic pets to go around for the adventurous animal lover. Don't worry about breaking any laws—these wonderful pets are completely legal! Here are 10 exotic-turned-domestic pets you can legally own in the US. 2014 introduced the last phase of the new laws. Ohio Exotic Pet Laws Ohio’s laws have changed given that the Zanesville massacre in 2011. 10 The Serval Some states are more lenient than others.
If you're looking for a something a little "out of ordinary" for a pet - you've come to the right place! Every state has exotic or wild pet laws specifying if a species is allowed, banned, or requires a special permit. After the Ohio exotic pet massacre that occurred in Zanesville, Ohio on October 19th, 2011, the country, and possibly the rest of the world, was shocked to learn that Ohio had no laws restricting most exotic pets. Ever since the Dangerous Wild Animal Act has taken effect and made many exotic animals illegal to own or need a license to hold what the state considers as harmful. In some states, you can have a pet squirrel or kangaroo, while other states have even banned pet rabbits. These ten exotic pets are legal to own in many places in America, some of them just require a license.