The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio was successful in blocking exotic pet owner Marian Thompson from reclaiming the six living animals released by her husband Terry before committing suicide. The incident last week at the exotic animal farm in Zanesville, Ohio, grabbed national attention after 56 animals were put down after being freed from their cages. Laws governing the ownership and care of wild animals in Ohio have been in a state of flux since the beginning of the year as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has worked on comprehensive reform as tasked by Gov. John Kasich.
Here are some facts about the ongoing animal custody issue:
* The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was notified Friday by Thompson's attorney that she intended to reclaim legal ownership of the two moneys, three leopards and a grizzly bear. Zoo officials began appealing to state and federal agencies to block the transfer of custody.
* The Ohio Department of Agriculture blocked the removal of Thompson's exotic pets by issuing a quarantine order. A department veterinarian examined the exotic animals and decided they needed further observation and a quarantine was necessary. The quarantine order came after Kasich asked department officials to make sure the animals did not pose a health threat after he was informed that Thompson was planning to go to the zoo and reclaim the animals.
* Upon arrival to the zoo Thompson was presented with a copy of the quarantine order and prevented from taking the animals. The order cited laws that allowed the agriculture department to quarantine, investigate, inspect and test animals which may carry contagious diseases.
* Marian Thompson has the legal right to appeal the quarantine order and be offered a hearing within the next 30 days. No time frame was placed on the quarantine by the agriculture department veterinarian. Thompson had given permission for the zoo to take temporary and emergency custody of the animals immediately following the release of family's other pets and her husband's suicide.
* Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz told said he has not been notified on the intended location of the animals if custody is granted to Thompson. Sheriff Lutz is currently researching what action the local law enforcement office can legally exercise to make sure the animals are house safely and securely if returned to the area.
* Thompson and her attorney arrived at the zoo with a large truck to collect the animals. According to a statement made by Department of Agriculture spokesman Andy Ware, Thompson had planned on returning the animals to the farm where they once lived.
* Even though Ohio has some of the most lenient laws pertaining to ownership of exotic animals, the human society has the authority to issue fines, initiate legal action against animal owners and order removal of animals from inhumane conditions.
* The sheriff, his deputies and animal expert Jack Hanna have been the recipients of death threats relating to the shooting of the escaped animals. Anonymous threats berating the decision to shoot to kill and not tranquilize the animals began pouring in after the story hit the national level.
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