Ohio to spread word about new exotic animal law

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio officials are ramping up their efforts to reach out to owners who now have to register their dangerous, wild animals with the state.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture says one person has registered since the law took effect a couple of weeks ago, on Sept. 5. Three others tried, but had incomplete forms because their animals didn't have microchips containing identification.

It's unknown exactly how many Ohioans have such creatures, which is part of the state's challenge. The agency says it plans to work with veterinarians and an owners group to spread the word about the Nov. 5 registration deadline.

Efforts to regulate dangerous wildlife took on new urgency last fall, when a suicidal owner near Zanesville released dozens of exotic animals, including black bears, lions and Bengal tigers.