Recommendations Expected On Exotic Animals

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A committee of state officials, animal protection advocates and others is expected to deliver its recommendations on exotic and potentially dangerous animals.

Members of the Dangerous Animals Initiative are meeting Wednesday in Richmond for what is scheduled to be their final meeting. The effort was launched after a man in Ohio let loose more than 50 lions, tigers and other exotic wildlife before killing himself one year ago.

The animals had to be put down out of concern for the public's safety. Ohio later enacted tightened regulations on exotic animals.

The Virginia initiative has agreed on oversight of large exotic animals but is struggling over primates. Owners of primates are resisting additional oversight.

The recommendations will be presented to the legislature and the governor.

A Chesterfield man and avid snake collector found dead in his home October 1 died from complications from a snake bite, the State Medical Examiner's Office said.
www.wric.com/story/20203290/virginia-recommendations-expected-on-exotic-animals

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