Exotic animal ban might affect Preble's 'Heaven's Corner'
Despite earlier thoughts that former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland's exotic animal ban may not affect Preble County's own Heaven's Corner, it now seems that it may require the zoo and animal sanctuary to join one of two private agencies in order to keep some of their animals.
Although Strickland's order was originally thought to have exempted sanctuaries licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture such as Heaven's Corner, it may actually force the ownership into a predicament. Heaven's Corner's full-time volunteer Amanda Dalton made an appearance at the Mar. 2 commissioners' meeting to bring attention to the possible problems posed to the zoo.
"Gov. Ted Strickland's original order to ban exotic pets, sounds like we should support that," Dalton said. "But in the wording, in the rules, it tries to define what sanctuary is. That would require Heaven's Corner to join one of two organizations that the Humane Society of the United States is financially tied to. We would have to pay fees to join and/or it would create, to live up to their standards, an immense expense."
In a release from Heaven's Corner, officials claim the order goes against the constitution, would be unaffordable, and would serve to create a monopoly for the two organizations to which they would have to become members.
In response to the emergency order, Dalton said there really is no emergency in the realm of exotic animals.
"There have only been four deaths in Ohio in the past eight years because of exotic animals," she said.
In the company's press release, it states, "If four exotic animal deaths in eight years can classify an industry as dangerous, then horses, tractors, livestock, and the family German Shepherd could be next."
In the eyes of Preble County officials, Heaven's Corner plays a major role in the county's economy.
"I think the zoo is a tremendous asset to the county for many different reasons," said Economic Development Director Shawnda Combs. "Not only for the attraction, but they make a significant economic impact to Preble County. It needs to be known by us and the public."
According to Dalton, Heaven's Corner is a rarity because it combines tourism, education, and animal conservation. Most of the animals at Heaven's Corner come from rescue situations. After Dalton joined the zoo last May, attendance increased 35 percent, and continued growth could have a big impact on future tourism in Preble County, according to Dalton.
In 2011, Heaven's Corner is instituting an even more aggressive marketing campaign to significantly increase its attendance rates. Heaven's Corner's opening for this year is slated for April 1.
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