Zanesville Exotic Animal TragedyThe heartbreaking tragedy unfolding in Zanesville, Ohio which has resulted in the death of 48 exotic animals, including 18 rare Bengal tigers, mountain lions, chimpanzees, bears and wolves, could have been avoided if stricter legislation on exotic animal ownership was being enforced, according to The Humane Society of Ohio. In the 24 hours since the story exploded, the world and Twitter-verse has erupted with criticism regarding the lethal force used against the scared and highly agitated animals found wandering about the #Zanesville area.
The animals in Ohio had been kept in cages at a preserve near Zanesville owned by Terry Thompson, who apparently pried open the animals’ cages and left the farm fences open before killing himself, according to Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz.
Why Weren't The Animals Tranquilized?
Much of the public has voiced concern (including yours truly) about why tranquilizers were not used instead of lethal force. Acording to Leahy, while tranquilizers are an option, there are issues involved in use of tranquilizers in that they take time to work on an animal, potentially giving it time to harm someone or to get away. In addition, if hammer mill an animal has a high level of adrenaline, tranquilizers can make them more agitated, which is apparently what happened with one of the tigers they attempted to tranquilize.
Who Is To Blame?
The Humane Society of the United States has stated that it does not fault authorities in Ohio for using lethal force against exotic animals running loose. "We do not fault them for using lethal force," Debbie Leahy, captive wildlife regulatory specialist for the Humane Society of the United States, told CNN. "What we're finding, in places where they have lax regulations ... rural sheriffs and local animal control officers are being forced to deal with issues ranging from rampaging chimpanzees to tigers running amok," Leahy said.
"People shouldn't be blaming (authorities)," Leahy told CNN. "They should be blaming the Ohio government for not taking action to prevent grinding mill this incident." The Humane Society urged Ohio officials Wednesday to issue an emergency rule to crack down on exotic animal ownership.
A previous emergency order had been issued by the previous Ohio governor that prohibited people convicted of animal cruelty from owning exotic animals expired in April. The Humane Society of Ohio indicated that Thompson "would almost certainly have had his animals removed by May 1, 2011, if the emergency order had not expired." The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals also said the lack of an exotic animal ban is to blame.
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