Valley Exotics Zoo – Eaton, Ohio

An Eaton, Ohio family with two young boys run the Valley Exotics Zoo, travels to county fairs, doing educational exhibits at libraries, festivals and other community events. The wife is a school teacher, so well-versed in educating our children.  A chance to get up close to animals and talk one-on-one isn’t usually offered in zoos or as easily accessible. Valley Exotics Zoo offers common farm animals, a variety of exotics and a hands-on experience bringing children and adults to a better understanding of interacting with animals.

Struggling to make ends meet is known more often than not lately. Not many have been fortunate enough to deal with the economic downturn unscathed. Valley Exotics Zoo is a family business, supporting a family along with a teacher’s job. The last time I checked, teachers were not listed as a high paying career! Sometimes we don’t see the people behind the very things we enjoy and take for granted. Many of the proposed animals to be banned are owned by Valley Exotics Zoo and would cause financial loss if they were not allowed to exhibit the animals, but had to continue to feed and house them. Would a livestock farmer raise cattle for a no return? Could they afford to keep them, feed them, house them and pay for veterinary care?

There are many reasons it is beneficial to allow places such as Valley Exotics Zoo to continue and grow their business. People visiting their exhibit or attending an educational presentation learn about the world’s animals, some living in cities and towns rarely having a chance to connect with the natural world. It’s a job, it’s work and helps keep the economy going in many small ways – feed, supplies, building supplies, business expenses, advertising, draw for the events where being exhibited and many more. The work of running the business is hard, long hours and I still see genuine caring for the animals they keep. Anyone willing to work so hard must have a genuine love for what they do or would be looking for an easier way of life. Raising two young boys to have first-hand knowledge of such a variety of animal care should be applauded by all, and certainly not banned or regulated out of existence.

                                           

                                                      Valley Exotics Zoo on Facebook

                                                         Valley Exotics Zoo Website

Ohio Farms, Animals - Including Dogs and Exotics

On June 30,2010,Governor Ted Strickland, along with Ohio Farm Bureau, announced a deal had been made with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).  In exchange for not filing a ballot initiative potentially affecting livestock in Ohio, Governor Strickland enacted an emergency ban on the listed exotic animals the day before he left office.  Such cowardly tactics did not go unnoticed by many paying attention to the “agreement” and what it would cause, while HSUS continued their course of claiming animal rights cloaked as animal “welfare.”

In most circles, what HSUS did to make the deal would be considered blackmail. “You give us the exotic animals listed and dog breeders and we’ll not bully you with the initiative and ruining your reputation with carefully edited video and campaigns against raising livestock” - is what many heard upon hearing of the deal.

 

Many, farmers included, felt betrayed by the deal being made with HSUS. Governor Strickland previously publicly denouncing HSUS, along with Ohio Farm Bureau’s statements about HSUS, left many with their heads spinning. How could they do this? Making deals with the devil never end well, for anyone involved – except the devil himself.

Personally knowing many farmers and at one time being involved in farming, raising feeder calves and finishing steers, gave me a perspective from both sides,  as an owner of the listed exotics. Riding a fence WILL leave splinters in your rear. Often, it gives a view into what is right and what is wrong and why it is wrong. THIS “deal” was very wrong, not indicative of the integrity I know the majority of farmers to have, and disgusting to exotic owners and dog breeders across the country.

Many people are beginning to realize the similarities between all types of livestock, animal use- from pet to plate – and while this may sound odd to group “pet” and “plate,” I assure you, the animal rights agenda view the use of animals for pets as offensive as eating meat. Incrementally working toward no animal use is a real goal; they have strategies, tactics, attorneys, networks, and money. They have been working steadily while most farmers, dog breeders and exotic owners work hands-on with their animals every day. Never suspecting such a fundamental way of life, including our diets and choice of pet, is under attack.

Visiting Ohio farmers, exotic owners and dog breeders to frequently give a look into the people involved - those living and working with the animals, making a living for their families - will show the similarities amongst all of us. Interspersed with other cases, incidents of how the HSUS has slowly gained control of animal use of every kind will likely prove a very interesting project.

The Agreement with HSUS in Ohio

AGREEMENT:

1) Recommendations will be made to The Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board (OLCSB)

to take action on issues related to downer cattle and humane euthanasia using language

consistent with the proposed ballot initiative.

2) The Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will

coordinate and take action on wild and dangerous animals including the prohibition of the

sale and/or possession of big cats, bears, primates, large constricting and venomous

snakes and alligators and crocodiles. Existing owners will be grandfathered in, but they

could not breed or obtain new animals.

3) Recommendations will be made to the legislature to support and pass SB 95 largely in the

current form, which regulates dog breeding kennels.

4) Recommendations will be made to the legislature to support and pass HB 108, which will

increase penalties on individuals who engage in cockfighting.

5) Recommendations will be made to the OLCSB to adopt the American Veal Association

2007 agreement to transition to group housing for veal calves by 2017.

6) Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) will issue a statement in support of the

mission and purpose of the OLCSB and will engage and work with the Board.

Organizations representing Ohioans for Livestock Care and the HSUS will examine and

jointly fund independent research projects and studies to identify best practices and to

work for the highest farm animal care and welfare standards. If assistance of a third party

is needed they will jointly agree on a representative to help in these discussions. When

this work is complete, the findings will be presented to the OLCSB.

7) Recommendation will be made to the OLCSB for current hog producers and to phase out

the use of gestation crates by December 31, 2025. By that date time all sows must be

housed using alternative systems. After December 31, 2010, any new facilities must

utilize alternative sow housing (not gestation crates). It is understood that in all housing

systems, sows may be housed in breeding/gestation stalls until they are confirmed

pregnant.

From Ohio Farm Bureau:  http://ofbf.org/uploads/Agreement.pdf

HIGHLIGHT AND URGE EXPEDITED IRS ACTION ON THE HSUS “LOBBYGATE” COVER-UP

The IRS and the Department of the Treasury’s Office of the Inspector General for Tax Administration have now received a Background Paper that is entitled “THE HSUS LOBBYGATE COVER-UP.”  This Background Paper summarizes the most flagrant lobbying and tax-related actions of the HSUS that are documented by over 1,400 pages of  incriminating documents that include extracts from the HSUS Tax
Returns for the years 2005-2009. 

Several of the highlights of the Background  Paper summarize how the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) may have under-reported over $500 Million in revenue on its 2005-2009 Tax Returns; may have expended over 40% of its monetary expenditures and the time of its Paid Staff and volunteers on direct and indirect lobbying activities; may have “laundered” money and lobbying activities through its infrastructure of Affiliated Organizations; may have improperly endorsed political candidates; may have generated BILLIONS - - YES BILLIONS - - of lobby-related E-Mails to its Members, Volunteers and Elected Officials; and has explicitly claimed credit for the passage of over 550 Federal and State Statutes and Ballot Initiatives.


The first of the 1,400+ pages of documents were forwarded to the IRS over two years ago.  Rest assured, the IRS is “quietly” investigating the lobbying activities of the HSUS because it has
assigned a Case File Number (29-92012) to its investigation, and the Department of the Treasury’s Office of the Inspector General for Tax Administration has also assigned a Case File Number (55-1005-0025-C). 

However, after more than 2 years of an “on-going examination” by the IRS of the lobbying activities of the HSUS, it would appear that the IRS has not demonstrated a “sense of urgency” or high priority for bringing closure to its “on-going examination.”  In this regard, I believe that if the “Hotline” for the Inspector General for Tax Administration of  the Department of the Treasury received 5-10,000 E-Mails from concerned citizens who asked that Office to urge the IRS to  expedite finalization of the IRS investigation of the excessive lobbying activities of the HSUS, IT WOULD DO SO!  If you wish to participate in this E-Mail Blitz, you may do so by following the directions as set out below:



1. Address your E-Mail to:
Complaints@tigta.treas.gov

    
2. Use for the Subject line of your E-Mail:     
                OIG Case File Number 55-1005-0025-C.

    
3. For the text of your message,you may wish to use language such as: 
“Now that the IRS has received over 1,400 pages that document the 
excessive lobbying activities of the HSUS, which may amount to an
“HSUS LOBBYGATE COVER-UP;” and that the HSUS  may have 
under-reported its revenue from Membership dues on its 2005-2009 
Tax Returns by as much as $500 Million or more, would you please
urge the IRS to complete its investigation of the HSUS in an
expeditious manner in order to ensure that the integrity of the
IRS Compliance  Program for tax-exempt, public charities is
maintained.”   
(Note:  You do not need to includeyour name or address if you do not wish to do so.)
 
If you do send an E-Mail to the OIG Hotline, please blind copy me on the bcc line of
the E-Mail so that I may keep track of how many E-Mails are sent.
         Frank Losey  f.losey@insightbb.com

ODNR and Stakeholder Meetings on Exotic Animals

Personally, the title of the page by ODNR, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, seems biased from the beginning. Dangerous Wild Animals? Dangerous includes some dogs, bulls, horses and many others. Wild? No, these animals are born and raised in captivity - not "wild." Importing animals requires a USDI, United States Department of the Interior, license, has strict guidelines and regulations to adhere to. So "why" was the ODNR page titled with such a negative choice of words? I don't know the answer, but more thought should be given to how we are lead to believe certain things to be true by simple choice of incorrect words forming our opinions. 

Ten  "stakeholders"  have a seat at the regulating exotics table in Ohio. The list is subjective to opinion, but if one considers what "stake" they have in this process and the outcome, it appears to be heavily weighted with those against the private ownership of exotics. The AZA, Association of Zoos and Aquariums sometimes use private breeders as a source for new stock, or as an outlet for surplus stock. Yet the elitist attitude exists with most AZA accredited facilities. The AZA is not a government entity, it is a private organization, a business selling accreditation for a fee, plain and simple. The highlighted link above explains this in detail, as many assume one thing about a particular organization, when in fact, it is just not so.

The HSUS, Humane Society of the United States, was the organization insisting on a ban of exotics. They are not our local humane societies, they take care of no dogs or cats and are very active in lobbying. A non-profit is very limited on allowed lobbying activity by the IRS, yet most think the $19 a month go for caring for homeless puppies and kitties due to the heart-wrenching expensive commercials paid for out of donors dollars!

The OFB, Ohio Farm Bureau, was party to the deal made with HSUS originally planning to ban the listed exotics. Understandably, Ohio Farm Bureau is not often viewed as an owner friendly entity after such a maneuver to save their own hides. Perhaps once more ethical farmers, as most of them are, see how their cow is much the same as someone elses monkey, OFB will stop throwing others under a bus because they fear being run over by HSUS. A united front amongst owners in all animal enterprises and types of ownership in Ohio is capable of addressing any welfare concerns through existing laws, while keeping the wolf -HSUS- ready to eat us all out.

LIST OF STAKEHOLDERS

• Association of Zoos and Aquariums (Columbus Zoo)
• Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), USDA
• Humane Society of the United States (Ohio Chapter)
• Knox County Prosecutor's Office
• Ohio Association of Animal Owners
• Ohio Farm Bureau
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources
• Ohio Veterinary Medical Association
• U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance
• Zoo Association of America

Governor Kasich Allowed the Executive Order Banning Listed Exotics to Expire

The 90 day limit for the executive order banning many exotics expired, as allowed by new Governor John Kasich. According to REXANO:


"The Department of Natural resources announced on April 4, 2011 that key stakeholders from across the state would be involved in the development of policies and procedures regarding ownership, sale and transfer of dangerous wild animals in the state of Ohio.
Outreach to stakeholders is taking place at the request of Governor John R. Kasich who supports the regulation of dangerous wild animals to ensure the public’s safety and animals’ humane treatment. He also believes any new regulations should be developed in a transparent way with input from the public and those who have interests at stake.
The Kasich administration initiated this process because of the April 6 expiration of the previous administration’s Executive Order 2010-17S and Emergency Administrative rule 1501:31-19-5, banning the "possession, sale, and transfer."

5th Update - KEEP IT UP and ODNR Comments

First of all, thanks to everyone who's called/emailed/sent letters regarding Emergency Rule 1501:31-19-05 currently in place in Ohio; also, thanks to everyone who's contacted us to be added to the List of Opposition. The encouraging news is, we are making some progress. On Tuesday of this week, the Governor's office instructed the ODNR *not* to file the permanent rule which the ODNR was planning to file with JCARR that day. Before anybody gets too excited about that -- it doesn't mean we've won. It does, however, mean the Governor is listening to our concerns, which is what we asked him to do.

 

The next order of business is for everyone to get on the ODNR website and enter your comments on this rule (refer to my earlier emails if you need suggestions on what to say). Again, be polite but firm. If the rule directly affects you or your business, explain that; if you don't live in Ohio but do business in Ohio, explain that. If it affects you as a non-commercial owner, explain that. The website address is:

 

http://ohiodnr.com/tabid/23166/Default.aspx

 

When you go to the website, you will see ODNR's "official position" at this time.

 

We cannot afford to let up; we must keep the pressure on. If you haven't called or emailed the Governor's office yet, please do so immediately. The person to contact in the Governor's Office of Constituent Affairs is:

 

Michael DuChesne (pronounced Doo-Shay)

Phone: (614) 644-0829

email: michael.duchesne@governor.ohio.gov

 

We now have a better contact at the Governor's office. Even if you've already called and/or emailed, please take a few minutes and do it again. Michael DuChesne is telling us that his phone has been flooded with calls on this issue; we need to keep the pressure on!

 

 

Please call Michael DuChesne (pronounced "Doo-Shay") at the Governor's Office immediately. We cannot afford to wait. The number to call is (614) 644-0829. You may get an answering machine; if so, leave a detailed message outlining your concerns and providing your name and phone number for a return call. If you get to speak to a real person, write down his/her name for future reference. As always, be polite but firm. Even if you called the number in our previous emails, you need to call this new number now.

We knew that outgoing Governor Strickland promised HSUS he would ban exotic animals in Ohio. He made his parting shot at us on January 6 when he signed his "emergency executive order" to accomplish that. The ODNR followed up the very next day by filing an "emergency rule" that expands even farther on the executive order by adding more animals to the "banned" list. Although the order and rule are only good for 90 days, a lot of damage can be done to our industry and our pocketbooks during those 90 days. It's time to go to work -- right now. We must get this overturned in order to protect our industry. The new ODNR Director could file this as a permanent rule, in which case we will need members to testify at the ODNR public hearing and, if necessary, at the subsequent JCARR hearing; but we can prevent this if we can persuade Governor Kasich to revoke the emergency order and to instruct Director Mustine to withdraw the emergency rule.

 

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Here, very briefly, are the points you need to address:

 

1. This is a power grab by the ODNR to seize control of, and ultimately shut down, Ohio's exotic animal industry. This is not the first time the ODNR has attempted to do this. 

 

2. Ohio Revised Code Section 1531.02 clearly shows the ODNR does not have statutory authority over exotic animals. It states: "The ownership of and the title to all wild animals in this state, not legally confined or held by private ownership legally acquired, is in the state, which holds such title in trust for the benefit of all the people..."  Governor Strickland chose to leave out the part about animals that are legally acquired, confined and held by private ownership. The ODNR has no authority over non-native/exotic animals, so the emergency rule is flawed and will most likely be overturned if and when a permanent rule is filed with JCARR (Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review). Governor Strickland lied, and the former ODNR administration was willing to participate in this Governor-ordered power grab.

 

3. The order exempts AZA- and Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries- accredited facilities. Both are private corporations with financial links to HSUS. The emergency order is unconstitutional and creates a monopoly for those two corporations, while shutting down the other USDA- and ODNR-licensed facilities that have these types of animals; that includes the drive-through animal parks, private zoos, and licensed breeders/dealers/exhibitors throughout Ohio. In Governor Strickland's own words last fall, the exotic animal industry is a 12.5 billion dollar/yr industry in Ohio. His emergency order will shut down a large part of that 12.5 billion dollar industry. Ohio cannot afford more job loss.

 

4. There is no exotic animal emergency in Ohio. Licensed animal owners, breeders and exhibitors have safely and securely kept these animals for many, many years and are subject to regular, unannounced government inspections to ensure that the public and the animals are not at risk. This emergency order is fueled by animal rights extremism and scaremongering, and it is a direct attack on commerce and private enterprise in Ohio. This order was not requested by a government agency (the ODNR) as Governor Strickland indicates in paragraph 5 of the emergency order; it was agreed to by HSUS, Ohio Farm Bureau, and the Governor himself, and only then did the ODNR draft their "emergency rule".

 

5. Exotic animal owners throughout Ohio rallied to vote Ted Strickland out of office, due to his "back-door deal" with HSUS. We voted Governor Kasich in, convinced that he would not honor that back-door deal. We now appeal to him to immediately revoke this emergency executive order which will cripple the exotic animal industry in Ohio, and to instruct ODNR Director Mustine to withdraw the ODNR's emergency rule #1501:31-19-05.

 

Action required:

 

1. Call Michael DuChesne at (614) 644-0829 with the above information. Put it in your own words, tailor it to your operation, and do it now. Don't wait!

 

 

Polly Britton
Legislative Agent

Ohio Association of Animal Owners

 

We now have a better phone number for Governor Kasich's office. We also have the phone number and email address for new ODNR Director David Mustine and will send that to you next, in a separate email.

 

Please call the Governor's Office of Constituent Affairs immediately. We cannot afford to wait. The number to call is (614) 644-4357. You may get an answering machine; if so, leave a detailed message outlining your concerns and providing your name and phone number for a return call. If you get to speak to a real person, write down his/her name for future reference. As always, be polite but firm. Even if you called the number in our previous email of Jan. 7, you need to call this new number now.

We knew that outgoing Governor Strickland promised HSUS he would ban exotic animals in Ohio. He made his parting shot at us on January 6 when he signed his "emergency executive order" to accomplish that. The ODNR followed up the very next day by filing an "emergency rule" that expands even farther on the executive order by adding more animals to the "banned" list. Although the order and rule are only good for 90 days, a lot of damage can be done to our industry and our pocketbooks during those 90 days. It's time to go to work -- right now. We must get this overturned in order to protect our industry. The new ODNR Director could file this as a permanent rule, in which case we will need members to testify at the ODNR public hearing and, if necessary, at the subsequent JCARR hearing; but we can prevent this if we can persuade Governor Kasich to revoke the emergency order and to instruct Director Mustine to withdraw the emergency rule.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Here, very briefly, are the points you need to address:

 

1. This is a power grab by the ODNR to seize control of, and ultimately shut down, Ohio's exotic animal industry.

 

2. Ohio Revised Code Section 1531.02 clearly shows the ODNR does not have statutory authority over exotic animals. It states: "The ownership of and the title to all wild animals in this state, not legally confined or held by private ownership legally acquired, is in the state, which holds such title in trust for the benefit of all the people..."  Governor Strickland chose to leave out the part about animals that are legally acquired, confined and held by private ownership. The ODNR has no authority over non-native/exotic animals, so the emergency rule is flawed and will most likely be overturned if and when a permanent rule is filed with JCARR (Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review). Governor Strickland lied, and the former ODNR administration was willing to participate in this Governor-ordered power grab.

 

3. The order exempts AZA- and Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries- accredited facilities. Both are private corporations with financial links to HSUS. The emergency order is unconstitutional and creates a monopoly for those two corporations, while shutting down the other USDA- and ODNR-licensed facilities that have these types of animals; that includes the drive-through animal parks, private zoos, and licensed breeders/dealers/exhibitors throughout Ohio. In Governor Strickland's own words last fall, the exotic animal industry is a 12.5 billion dollar/yr industry in Ohio. His emergency order will shut down a large part of that 12.5 billion dollar industry. Ohio cannot afford more job loss.

 

4. There is no exotic animal emergency in Ohio. Licensed animal owners, breeders and exhibitors have safely and securely kept these animals for many, many years and are subject to regular, unannounced government inspections to ensure that the public and the animals are not at risk. This emergency order is fueled by animal rights extremism and scaremongering, and it is a direct attack on commerce and private enterprise in Ohio. This order was not requested by a government agency (the ODNR) as Governor Strickland indicates in paragraph 5 of the emergency order; it was agreed to by HSUS, Ohio Farm Bureau, and the Governor himself.

 

5. Exotic animal owners throughout Ohio rallied to vote Ted Strickland out of office, due to his "back-door deal" with HSUS. We voted you in, Governor Kasich, convinced that you would not honor that back-door deal. We now appeal to you to immediately revoke this emergency executive order which will cripple the exotic animal industry in Ohio, and to instruct ODNR Director Mustine to withdraw the ODNR's emergency rule #1501:31-19-05.

 

Action required:

 

1. Call Governor John Kasich at (614) 644-4357 with the above information. Put it in your own words, tailor it to your operation, and do it now. Don't wait!

 

We will be sending out another email shortly, providing the contact information for new ODNR Director David Mustine. It's up to us to make Governor Kasich understand the ramifications of this emergency order so that he'll revoke it.

 

 

Polly Britton
Legislative Agent

Ohio Association of Animal Owners

 

 

We now have the phone number (614-265-6879) and email address (david.mustine@dnr.state.oh.us) for new ODNR Director David Mustine.

 

Please call ODNR Director David Mustine immediately. We cannot afford to wait. The number to call is (614) 265-6879. You may get an answering machine; if so, leave a detailed message outlining your concerns and providing your name and phone number for a return call. If you get to speak to a real person, write down his/her name for future reference. As always, be polite but firm. Once you've called, follow up with an email to Director Mustine at david.mustine@dnr.state.oh.us

 

We knew that outgoing Governor Strickland promised HSUS he would ban exotic animals in Ohio. He made his parting shot at us on January 6 when he signed his "emergency executive order" to accomplish that. The former ODNR administration followed up the very next day by filing an "emergency rule" that expands even farther on the executive order by adding more animals to the "banned" list. Although the order and rule are only good for 90 days, a lot of damage can be done to our industry and our pocketbooks during those 90 days. It's time to go to work -- right now. We must get this overturned in order to protect our industry. The new ODNR Director could file this as a permanent rule, in which case we will need members to testify at the ODNR public hearing and, if necessary, at the subsequent JCARR hearing; but we can prevent this if we can persuade Director Mustine to withdraw the emergency rule. 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Here, very briefly, are the points you need to address:

 

1. This is a power grab by the former ODNR administration to seize control of, and ultimately shut down, Ohio's exotic animal industry.

 

2. Ohio Revised Code Section 1531.02 clearly shows the ODNR does not have statutory authority over exotic animals. It states: "The ownership of and the title to all wild animals in this state, not legally confined or held by private ownership legally acquired, is in the state, which holds such title in trust for the benefit of all the people..."  Ex-Governor Strickland chose to leave out the part about animals that are legally acquired, confined and held by private ownership. The ODNR has no authority over non-native/exotic animals, so the emergency rule is flawed and will most likely be overturned if and when a permanent rule is filed with JCARR (Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review). Ex-Governor Strickland lied, and the former ODNR administration was willing to participate in this Governor-ordered power grab.

 

3. The order exempts AZA- and Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries- accredited facilities. Both are private corporations with financial links to HSUS. The emergency rule is unconstitutional and creates a monopoly for those two corporations, while shutting down the other USDA- and ODNR-licensed facilities that have these types of animals; that includes the drive-through animal parks, private zoos, and licensed breeders/dealers/exhibitors throughout Ohio. In ex-Governor Strickland's own words last fall, the exotic animal industry is a 12.5 billion dollar/yr industry in Ohio. The emergency rule will shut down a large part of that 12.5 billion dollar industry. Ohio cannot afford more job loss.

 

4. There is no exotic animal emergency in Ohio. Licensed animal owners, breeders and exhibitors have safely and securely kept these animals for many, many years and are subject to regular, unannounced government inspections to ensure that the public and the animals are not at risk. This emergency rule was fueled by animal rights extremism and scaremongering, and it is a direct attack on commerce and private enterprise in Ohio. This rule was not requested by the ODNR as ex-Governor Strickland indicated in paragraph 5 of the emergency executive order; it was the other way around. The ex-Governor, HSUS, and Ohio Farm Bureau made a "back-door deal" on 6/30/2010, and then ex-Governor Strickland ordered the ODNR to draft the rule. Ex-Governor Strickland bypassed the legislature and JCARR, and abused his authority as Governor by declaring an emergency where no emergency exists.

 

5. Exotic animal owners throughout Ohio rallied to vote Ted Strickland out of office, due to his "back-door deal" with HSUS. We voted John Kasich in, convinced that he would not honor that back-door deal. We now appeal to you to immediately revoke emergency rule #1501:31-19-05 which will cripple the exotic animal industry in Ohio.

 

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Action required:

 

1. Call Director David Mustine at (614) 265-6879 with the above information. Put it in your own words, tailor it to your operation, and do it now. Don't wait!

 

2. Follow up with an email to Director Mustine at david.mustine@dnr.state.oh.us

 

 

Polly Britton
Legislative Agent

Ohio Association of Animal Owners