Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers | May 9, 2025 | Personal Injury
Once upon a time, Ohio had the most liberal laws on wild animal ownership anywhere in the nation. Then came October 18, 2011—the day of the Zanesville tragedy. After the owner of a private exotic animal farm released dozens of dangerous animals into the community, law enforcement was forced to euthanize them to protect public safety. The incident, which ended in the owner’s suicide, sparked widespread calls for reform in Ohio’s exotic animal laws.
The following goes further into details about the Dangerous Wild Animal Act, as well as lists five animals that are illegal under the Act.
The Dangerous Wild Animal Act
In the wake of the Zanesville tragedy, Ohio passed the 2012 Dangerous Wild Animal Act. The law:
- Prohibits people from acquiring new dangerous wild animals.
- Allows people who owned wild animals before the law went into effect to keep them, subject to registration and permit requirements.
- Imposes regulations affecting animal housing, insurance, veterinary care, and safety that permit holders must satisfy..
- Prohibits the breeding of wild animals without authorization. A consequence of this restriction is that owners of wild animals before the Act went into effect are becoming fewer in number as time passes.
- Grants the Ohio Department of Agriculture the authority to enforce the Act.
The Act has enjoyed broad public support since it went into effect.
Illegal Animals
Five animals that are illegal under the Dangerous Wild Animal Act are as follows:
- Lions
The so-called “king of the jungle” is a majestic animal, but full-grown males can weigh over 400 pounds. No unarmed human is a match for a lion. Only licensed zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, and certain research institutions may keep a lion. Private citizens cannot own a lion unless they owned it before the Act went into effect. Even then, permit restrictions can be onerous.
- Bears
Bears roam the forests of Ohio in very small numbers. Nevertheless, it is illegal for a human to keep them in Ohio without special authorization. Bears often seem friendly, but they can become deadly without warning.
- Primates
Primates are another kind of animal that might give the initial impression of being tame. That illusion was shattered in 2009 when a pet chimpanzee ripped the face and hands off of Charla Nash in Stamford, Connecticut. Ohio law classifies almost all species of monkeys as dangerous.
- Wolves and Wolfdogs
Ohio prohibits private citizens from keeping purebred wolves. Wolf-dog hybrids are another story. The legality of these animals depends on local ordinances and the percentage of wolf DNA. Homeowners’ insurance companies often refuse to cover homeowners who keep wolf/dog hybrids.
- Alligators and Crocodiles
Most people have heard the now-discredited urban legend that giant alligators roamed the New York City sewers. Nevertheless, alligators and crocodiles are apex predators, and they are among the most dangerous of all wild animals. Even people who owned an alligator or crocodile before the Act went into effect must meet specific requirements on caging, insurance, and veterinary care.
Do You Need an Ohio Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you are unfortunate enough to have been injured by an illegally owned animal, a personal injury lawyer can help you hold the responsible party liable. An Ohio personal injury lawyer can fight for you at the negotiating table and, if necessary, all the way to court. Although almost all personal injury claims settle out of court, it’s important to prove to the defendant that you can win in court if you want any respect at the settlement table.
Contact an Ohio Personal Injury Lawyer at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, contact the Ohio personal injury law firm of Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
We have five convenient locations in Ohio: Sandusky, Mansfield, Port Clinton, Vermilion, and Norwalk.
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Sandusky
502 W Washington St,
Sandusky, OH 44870
Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk and Wright Co. LPA – Mansfield
6 W 3rd St Suite 200,
Mansfield, OH 44902
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Port Clinton
132 Madison St,
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Vermilion
1513 State Rd,
Vermilion, OH 44089
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Norwalk
13 Whittlesey Ave,
Norwalk, OH 44857