Target: West Virginia Department of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro
Goal: Require licenses for exotic pet owners, breeders, and sellers, and ban all future ownership.
Governor of West Virginia Earl Ray Tomblin recently vetoed an important bill that would have restricted exotic pet ownership. Improper regulation of exotic pet ownership endangers the public, as well as the animals. West Virginia is one of only seven states that do not regulate exotic pet ownership. In light of the veto, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) should enact rules to crack down on exotic pet ownership.
The legislation was introduced after an incident in Zanesville Ohio where 49 animals had to be shot down after their owner set them free before killing himself. These included lions, bears, and 18 Bengal tigers, which are on the verge of extinction. West Virginia is predicted to see an influx of exotic pets as Ohio is expected to crack down on exotic pet ownership policy.
West Virginia?s bill, SB 477, would have forced the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources to adopt permit requirements for those who possess, breed, and sell exotic animals. It would have also required owners to maintain liability insurance, properly identify the animals, and pay a license fee. The DNR should effectively override the veto by requiring exotic pet owners, breeders, and sellers to obtain a license, and ban all future ownership.
The exotic animal massacre in Ohio illuminates the incredible dangers of having no regulations on exotic pet ownership. Prevent needless deaths of majestic creatures, as well as danger to the public by urging West Virginia?s DNR to enact rules regarding exotic pet ownership.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Jezioro,
Governor Tomblin shockingly vetoed a critical bill concerning the ownership of exotic animals. This makes West Virginia one of only seven states that do not regulate exotic pet ownership. In order to protect the public and prevent needless killing of escaped animals, your department must override the veto and enact rules to regulate this industry.
West Virginia is expected to see an influx of exotic animals after Ohio has decided to crack down on exotic pet ownership following the incident in Zanesville last year. It is important for the DNR to require licenses for exotic pet owners, breeders, and sellers, as well as to ban all future ownership, in order to protect the public.
The incident in Ohio was a source of public outrage, and brought to light the consequences of an unregulated exotic pet industry. Ensure West Virginia is not next by enacting rules to regulate exotic animal ownership.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
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