Tragedy in Zanesville

I agree Erin I certainly wish there had been a better way to handle this situation. To see these animals turned loose after being confined in cages for who knows how long and run at large was heartbreaking because anyone with half a brain could see something very bad was going to happen. I personally think instead of an all out ban regulations and certifications need to be required for exotic animals that are potentially dangerous (including large snakes). I think the owners need to be able to prove they have the financial means to care for tha animal, space and security for the animal and be inspected on a regular basis to insure the well being of the animal. There should also be limits to the number of exotic animals one can own. You may have the right to own an exotic animal but I also have the right not to be attacked by an animal not native to the area as well.

Thanks for the comments. Let me clarify something though. This is not an article. This is a blog, and as such, it is my opinion. You're welcome to disagree but please don't add to or misconstrue what is being said.

"I just wish the whole situation had never had to happen." What in the world is that sentence doing in this article? We all wish that, but that isn't what happened. And a "senseless act?" Just what did you think they should have done? Allow them to roam free until they give up, come out waving a white flag? They were huge, dangerous animals, not a lost cat. Do you think if they saw a group of little children that they would just stand there and watch them play? Let's get real about this whole thing, push the politicians, and not allow this to ever be an issue again in this state.

I think everyone should take a step back from this for a moment. Yes it was a bad thing but we are talking about infringing on the rights of responsible citizens for the acts of one person. As to what the Humane Society of the United States says, blah, blah, blah. They are closer to PETA than they are our local Humane Society, and it is rather appalling that people give this organization any credit as they are rather out there. Sensible regulations for owning these animals should be considered. An outright ban on exocit animals? Please define exotic. A boa or iguana could easily fall under the term exotic. Before we jump on the bandwagon of giving up yet another freedom, I think it is wise to stop for a second and use our heads. And for the love of God, I would love to see people get the Strickland, Kasich thing right. Strickland's Executive order did not affect this man in any way. HE WAS GRANDFATHERED IN!! Why make something political that had nothing to do with politics

Good article Erin! NOW for all of us to stand up and make the phone calls to our elected officials and press them into action so that this never happens again!