News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2011
Dangerous Wild Animals Emergency Rule Will Be Allowed to Expire
Input from Stakeholders Sought to Help Craft Policy
COLUMBUS, OH — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) announced today that it will seek input from key stakeholders across the state to help develop policies and procedures regarding the ownership and sale of dangerous wild animals in the state of Ohio.
ODNR is starting its stakeholder outreach 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 is initiating this process because the previous administration’s Executive Order 2010-17S and Emergency Administrative rule 1501:31-19-5, banning the "possession, sale, and transfer" of dangerous wild animals, expires on April 6. Concerns were raised with the rule’s short-term and long-term funding, legal authority, safety, and the overall feasibility of being able to efficiently and effectively enforce such a ban.
ODNR will begin accepting public comments immediately at http://ohiodnr.com/tabid/23387/WildAnimals.aspx as well as meeting with key stakeholders.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at ohiodnr.com.
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For more information, contact:
Laura Jones, ODNR Office of Communications
614. 265. 6787