Ohio Gov. John Kasich Denies the Obvious: He Could Have Prevented The Exotic Animal Tragedy

[Ian David]

Ohio Gov. John Kasich Denies the Obvious: He Could Have Prevented The Exotic Animal Tragedy

One of the great myths always being promoted by the political right, is that government is dangerous and intrusive when it comes to civil liberties. The revolting scene in Zanesville, Ohio (below) is in large measure, the result of the “less government is better government” mentality of the current conservative Republican Governor, John Kasich.

The previous governor of the Buckeye-State, Ted Strickland, understood why it was necessary to make sure that anyone convicted of abusing animals, not be permitted to own dangerous exotic animals. Towards that end, the Democratic Governor issued an executive order prohibiting felons from owning such animals. But when Strickland’s order came up for renewal, Kasich just didn’t see the need.

As a result of that inaction, convicted animal abuser, Terry Thompson was able to acquire his own private zoo that included over 50 animals. Many, were large, exotic and endangered animals, native too much warmer climates. Most of Thompson’s wild animals were forced to live in tiny cages. Before taking his own life Tuesday night and with no apparent concern for the safety of his neighbors, Thompson let all of his animals go free.

<snip>

In what will surely be regarding as a classic understatement, Kasich described the situation on Wednesday, “a mess” and a “ terrible thing.”

But the Governor refused, when asked, to take any responsibility for the tragedy.

“This has to be fixed. This is unbelievable that this even existed, and what’s hard for me to understand is why Ohio over time didn’t deal with this, but we’ll deal with it now.”



More:
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2011/10/20/ohio-gov-john-kasich-denies-the-obvious-he-could-have-prevented-the-exotic-animal-tragedy/


See also:

This is partially Jack Hanna's fault.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=2156374&mesg_id=2156397

[joeybee12]

1. Please put a warning in...that photo is horrific...

totally unnecesasry and tragic...God help us for the way we treat other creatures.

[CanonRay]

2. Scenes like this are a logical extension of Republican policies

[riderinthestorm]

3. I thought Terry Thompson's zoo had been in existence for more than 7 years?

The info in the OP doesn't square with the timeline of the pet ownership by this guy.

The sheriff and others in the community had been complaining about this "zoo" for many years before this episode. While Kasich is certainly partly to blame, I think Strickland also plays a part here in the blame game.

(and of course, the shitty excuse for a human being - the guy who opened those doors and then shot himself - well, he's the most to blame of all!!!

[Ian David]

4. Gov. Kasich Signing Exotic-Pet Executive Order

Gov. Kasich Signing Exotic-Pet Executive Order

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio Gov. John Kasich is signing an executive order pushing for a moratorium on exotic animal auctions and a crackdown on unlicensed auctions.

The governor announced the decision Friday, a few days after an owner of exotic pets in Ohio set dozens free this week and committed suicide.

Kasich had let an order cracking down on the ownership of exotic animals expire this spring, arguing it lacked legal authority.

Activists have complained that Ohio has some of the nation's laxest regulations on exotic pets.

More:
http://www2.ohiovotes2011.com/news/2011/oct/21/5/gov-kasich-sign-exotic-pet-executive-order-ar-797004/

[tnlefty]

5. Rec'd

and a kick.:kick:

I wondered why after I saw Hanna on Rachel's show he was trying so hard to stress that it wasn't a partisan thing, after I'd seen someone in OH stating that it would harm small businesses if the executive order was renewed.

The deaths of these magnificent animals still pisses me off and makes me sick. AFAIC the entire 'industry' of exotic animals needs to be shut down. :mad: :mad: :mad:

Thanks for the info.

[wordpix]

6. Kasich, you're responsible. I hope you're recalled immediately over this

:grr:

[Bake]

7. "But we'll deal with it now"

You're a little too late, Kasich, you douchebag. This is on YOUR head.

Bake