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