Ohio exotic animal lawsuit remains

"The HSUS's, Humane Society of the United States, Ohio state director claimed the lawsuit as proof Ohio exotic animal owners do not care properly for their animals enough to follow the regulations. As the regulations for care are still in the drafting stage, this is highly suspect to opinion due to affiliation with an organization that spends millions every year toward legislation affecting agricultural livestock, pet ownership, exotic animals, dog breeding and more."

Ohio exotic owners file suit against new regulation

"While the cost of anesthesia is high, the coming permit fees, insurance requirements and other as yet unknown caging requirements are beyond reach of most people, people having paid for their own for many years with no problems in public safety or any of the claimed reasons to pass the act."

" Many owners of bobcats missed the time needed for microchipping necessary to register due to conflicting accounts given by ODNR, Ohio Division of Natural Resources and ODA, Ohio Department of Agriculture. If un-registered, the possibility of acquiring a permit, next year, to keep their pets is lost. Confiscation and death of the animals is likely since zoos testified at statehouse hearings that they were unable to take them and sanctuaries claim to be full and lacking funds."

Ohio exotic animal legislation affects local owners

"After considering testimony given during hearings on SB310 by all Ohio zoos and nationwide sanctuaries, stating the funding and room to take Ohio's exotic animals is not available, it appears this building would serve as nothing but a killing field."

Valley Exotics Zoo

"The zoo offers a large variety for any event, from pony rides to reptile displays, nativity scenes, pictures with animals and more. The variety of animals is too numerous to list but includes livestock from common farms to unusual livestock from other countries. Snakes, tortoises and tarantulas to lemurs, birds and kangaroos to hedgehogs. Finding a more diverse educational petting zoo would be difficult, if not impossible, in Ohio."

Valley Exotics Zoo in Ohio is wild and wonderful!

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.

                                           

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