Exotic-animal rules debated in secret

Ohio has no rules regulating the sale and ownership of exotic animals six months after Gov. John Kasich allowed a ban enacted by his predecessor to expire…

However, new rules governing a wide range of exotic animals and reptiles are being discussed by an eclectic group in closed-door meetings convened by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The group includes representatives of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Humane Society of the U.S., Knox County prosecutor’s office, Ohio Association of Animal Owners, Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and Zoo Association of America…

The Kasich administration closed the working group’s meetings to the public and urged group members not to discuss the proceedings with the news media. However, public meetings will be held in the future, Jones said…more

Exotic birds found in house relocated

…Union Township Trustee Phil Mote - the jurisdiction under which the house is located in - said the trustees have not received a formal complaint about the property, which would cause them to investigate the property.
"In the last four years since I have been a trustee, we have not had any complaints about the property," Mote said. "We haven't had a complaint from a township resident. But, in the last few days we've had emails from people all over the country."
Mote said in order to look into the conditions of the property, a Union Township resident would need to make a written statement - signed with their contact information - about the condition of the property. He said the three trustees, likely accompanied by the Miami County Health Department, would then visit the property and make a decision on the property's condition…more

Nearly 100 live, dead birds inside Troy home

“I was horrified by what I saw,”

said veterinary technician Jim Tinnell, who claims he convinced Ratcliff to let him remove 10 birds from the home that could be saved.

“I’ve never seen anything like it in
my 40 years of caring for animals”
…more

Mazzola’s animals relocated (with video)

COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP — The area around 9978 North Marks Road will never be the same because the wild animals that belonged to the late Sam Mazzola, who died on July 10, are no longer there.

Mazzola’s collection of exotic animals such as lions, bears, and tigers are well-known throughout the area because he often invited neighbors to see them.

Since his death, three bears were relocated to the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colo.

Pat Craig, the executive director of the animal sanctuary, said that a woman who said that she was Mazzola’s girlfriend called his sanctuary and told them that they were looking for a place for his bears. The sanctuary is one of only two in the country to take in bears...see video

Bears Expected To Be Removed From Sam Mazzola's Property Today

See video

Teen handcuffed Sam Mazzola to waterbed, sheriff’s officials say

A 17-year-old boy chained and handcuffed Sam Mazzola to the waterbed where the same teen found Mazzola dead on Sunday morning, Lorain County sheriff’s Sgt. Donald Barker said Thursday…more