ODA announces start of dangerous animal registration
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) announces the availability of dangerous wild animal and restricted snake registration forms on its website. With the passage of Senate Bill 310 earlier this year, owners of dangerous wild animals in Ohio are required to register their animals with the department and have them microchipped at the time of registration.
In addition to requiring registration, the new law, which became effective Sept. 5, regulates the ownership, sale and permitting of dangerous wild animals and restricted snakes. The law prohibits any person from:
– Selling or offering for sale at auction a dangerous wild animal or a venomous snake;
– Knowingly removing a microchip that is implanted in a dangerous wild animal;
– Allowing a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake to roam off the property where it is confined;
– Removing any teeth or claws from a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake;
– Failing to comply with signage requirements; and
– Knowingly releasing a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake into the wild.
After Jan. 1, 2014, possession of dangerous wild animals and restricted snakes will be prohibited unless the individual is exempted under the bill or is granted a permit by the department. Permit applications will be made available in 2013.
The forms, which are available on the Department’s website at www.agri.ohio.gov/TopNews/DangerousWildAnimalAct/, will need to be completed by owners of dangerous wild animals and restricted snakes, printed, signed and returned to the department no later than Monday, Nov. 5.
Category: Government
