Exotic Animals

Ohio has gone from bad actor to national model. We continue to educate and advocate for stronger regulations that protect exotic animals in our state.

A tiger resting on a concrete surface inside a zoo enclosure with a metal fence and lush green plants in the background.

  • The exotic pet trade is a harmful, illegal, and unsustainable industry that exploits animals from the wild and often subjects them to inhumane conditions. Many exotic animals are taken from their natural habitats, causing declines in wildlife populations, disrupting ecosystems, and contributing to the suffering of animals.

    Ohioans became aware of the dangers and challenges associated with exotic pets in October of 2011, when Terry Thompson released 56 of his exotic animals before tragically committing suicide in Zanesville. The Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office had to shoot and kill 49 of those animals in order to protect the public. Dozens of animals sadly perished in the incident. According to GQ magazine, “The incident made global news. It also thrust into daylight, if only for a brief moment, a secret world of privately-owned exotic animals living off the grid, and often right next door.”

    The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call in October of 2019 that identified a large cat in a residential subdivision that had attacked a dog and generally appeared threatening to people. An officer reported the cat was aggressive and assumed an attack stance, leading the officer to shoot and kill the cat to protect himself and the public. This incident also made national news.

    The Ohio Department of Natural Resources later identified the large cat as a serval–a wild cat native to Africa. The serval was wearing a collar, indicating that it was someone’s pet. However, ODA denied having any records of Fairfield County citizens holding a state permit for a serval. ODA officials executed a search warrant for the property of Stacy Elliot, the father of Ezekiel Elliott, former Ohio State University and current NFL player. The serval was brought across state lines from Indiana.

    Vicki Deisner, OAA Executive Director, authored a letter to the editor on April 18, 2023 in the Columbus Dispatch entitled ‘Wildebeest Tip of the Iceberg‘. Not only did a former Vinton County official steal over $9000 in public funds, he used money to set up a roadside zoo caging exotic animals in deplorable conditions. While “public education” is often touted as a justification for roadside zoo displays, this excuse assumes that simply seeing exotic animals up close — no matter how unnatural the setting — fosters an appreciation for animals in the wild. Rather, the likely take-home message is that an exotic animal would make an intriguing pet — often leading to neglect, abuse, improper breeding, and attacks.

  • In 2012, Ohio passed a ban on Ohio Exotic Animal Ownership. Before Zanesville, Ohio was well-known for some of America’s most lax regulation of exotic pets combined with some of the country’s highest rates of injuries and deaths caused by them. On June 6, 2012, former Ohio Governor John Kasich signed the “Dangerous Wild Animal Act” (Ohio Rev. Code § 935.01 to 935.99) into law. This law prohibits persons from possessing dangerous animals as defined by the law after January 1, 2014 unless they are grandfathered in.

    Since the law took effect, Ohio has been described as going from bad actor to national model. The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has issued no new permits, and both the number of exotic animals and the number of owners with permits has dropped, according to the ODA. Grandfathered permittees are required to carry massive insurance policies, causing many owners to surrender their animals to sanctuaries.

    However, issues with private ownership of exotics are not over in Ohio as people still own exotic animals without the proper permits and oversight. Underground activity and illegal transportation across state lines without the proper permits still exists.

    Federal legislation is needed to end interstate trafficking and ownership of exotic animals. A big step was taken with the passage of H.R. 263, The Big Cat Public Safety Act, in the fall of 2022. This law will revise requirements governing the trade and the exhibition of big cats, including restricting direct contact between the public and big cats, such as cub-petting and exhibitions, including backyard and roadside zoos. According to the Animal Welfare Institute, it is estimated that thousands of big cats are currently kept in captivity around the United States.

  • Here are several effective ways you can help stop the exotic pet trade and its associated harms:

    Educate Yourself and Others

    • Understanding the scale of the exotic pet trade and its negative impacts is crucial. Exotic pets often suffer from poor care, are exposed to dangerous living conditions, and face health issues because their needs are not met in captivity.

    • Educate others about the realities of the exotic pet trade through social media, blogs, conversations, or community events. Many people don’t realize that owning exotic pets (such as reptiles, primates, big cats, and birds) can have severe consequences for the animals and the environment.

    • Share statistics, stories, and expert opinions about how the exotic pet trade harms animals, ecosystems, and even human health. Highlight that these animals are not "pets" in the traditional sense and belong in the wild.

    Advocate for Stronger Legislation

    • Advocate for stronger laws to regulate and ultimately ban the capture and trade of wild animals as pets. This includes pushing for better enforcement of international agreements like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which regulates international trade in endangered species.

    Do Not Buy Exotic Animals

    • One of the most direct ways to combat the exotic pet trade is by refusing to buy exotic animals. Purchasing an exotic pet supports the industry and increases demand for the capture and trade of wild animals.

    • Understand that many animals sold as "exotic pets" are taken from the wild, which contributes to habitat destruction and population decline. Even when animals are bred in captivity, the trade still fuels demand and often leads to poor conditions for the animals. Encourage people not to buy exotic pets, whether they’re sourced from breeders, pet stores, or online markets. Explain the ethical, environmental, and animal welfare issues involved.

    Support Organizations Working to End the Exotic Pet Trade

    • Support organizations that are actively working to combat the exotic pet trade, rehabilitate confiscated animals, and raise awareness. Many groups rescue animals from the exotic pet trade and return them to their natural habitats or provide sanctuary.

    Report Illegal Exotic Pet Trade

    • If you suspect illegal wildlife trafficking or animal abuse related to exotic pets, report suspected evidence to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Reporting trafficking or the sale of exotic pets can help curb the trade and hold perpetrators accountable.

    • Some exotic animals are sold through unregulated online markets. If you encounter online or in-person sales of illegal exotic animals, report the sellers to authorities or organizations working on wildlife protection.

    Promote and Support Ethical Wildlife Tourism

    • Instead of supporting businesses that exploit exotic animals (such as those offering elephant rides, tiger selfies, or dolphin shows), choose wildlife tourism experiences that focus on conservation and animal welfare. Look for sanctuaries and eco-friendly tours that prioritize the well-being of animals. Encourage others to support ethical sanctuaries and wildlife reserves that do not exploit animals for entertainment or trade.

    Educate About the Dangers of Keeping Exotic Pets

    • Teach people about the challenges of keeping exotic animals as pets. Many of these animals have complex physical, dietary, and social needs that cannot be met in a home environment. Keeping wild animals in captivity can lead to health problems, stress, and premature death.

    • Emphasize environmental impact - Explain how the exotic pet trade can lead to the destruction of ecosystems and the endangerment of species. Wild animals taken from their habitats may struggle to survive in captivity, and their removal can disrupt delicate ecosystems.

    • Raise awareness about zoonotic diseases - Some exotic animals, especially primates and reptiles, can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Informing people about the risks of zoonotic diseases can help discourage the pet trade, which sometimes involves animals that are carriers of dangerous pathogens.

    Support and Encourage Responsible Pet Ownership

    • Promote adoption, not buying - Encourage people to adopt pets from shelters or rescues rather than purchasing exotic animals. Shelters often have a variety of pets looking for homes, and adopting helps reduce the demand for exotic animals in the pet trade.

    Raise Awareness About the Conservation Status of Exotic Species

    • Promote awareness about the conservation status of endangered species that are often targeted by the exotic pet trade. Help people understand that there are many other ways to experience wildlife ethically, such as through photography, documentaries, or responsible ecotourism. Instead of owning exotic animals, people can contribute to conservation efforts and support organizations that protect animals in the wild.

    Speak Out Against Media and Influencers Who Promote Exotic Pets

    • Many celebrities and influencers have exotic pets, which can glamorize the idea of keeping wild animals as pets. Speak out against the trend of promoting exotic pet ownership and encourage media to focus on more ethical ways of interacting with animals, like supporting wildlife conservation or sanctuaries.

    • Use social media platforms to raise awareness about the consequences of celebrities and influencers showcasing exotic pets. Encourage followers to support animal rights and conservation rather than the commodification of wild animals.

    By making informed choices, spreading awareness, and supporting both legislative change and animal protection efforts, we can reduce demand for exotic pets and help protect vulnerable species in the wild.

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