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Members of IAWA were extremely saddened and concerned to learn of the recent tragedy in Ohio regarding the intentional release and destruction of the many animals owned by Mr.Terry Thompson as well as the suicide of Mr Thompson.
We feel it is important to recognize that this tragedy was not relevant to the issue of private ownership of exotic animals. This was the result of an insane act by a mentally unsound individual and although Terry Thompson used his animals to amplify the horrific impact of his suicide, he had many other avenues (pilot license, guns, etc…) to do the same had he not owned or used the animals, any of which would have been equally as tragic. The state of Ohio admittedly lacked regulations governing the private ownership of wild animals but such regulations would not have prevented Mr. Thompson’s unspeakable act for such a mental illness doesn’t restrict itself those in the private sector or those who are accredited by any governing agency or group. Unfortunately, human behavior occasionally lends itself to acts of extreme and unreasonable insanity and those exercising such acts can be from facilities ranging from the largest accredited institution to the smallest privately owned facility. The truth is, Insanity can not be regulated to prevent such tragedy from occurring.
We sincerely hope further investigation will be channeled towards the several allegations by other private owners and facilities that Mr. Thompson’s mistreatment of animals and lack of a proper facilities was in fact reported and dismissed by authorities. These attempts by the private sector to police and protect their industry might have at least spared the lives of the many animals that were involved and destroyed in this incident.
In respect to the actions taken by law enforcement that evening, we understand and support those actions for they were truly and unfortunately in the best interests of human safety. Contrary to what most people see on fictional television and/or movies, tranquilization of animals (especially exotic animals) is neither immediate nor guaranteed. The instincts of wild/exotic animals physically combat the effects of sedation. Any stimulation after being tranquilized (like being out of its enclosure, in the dark, in a strange environment, being hunted etc…) is enough mental stimulation to render tranquilization very difficult if not unsuccessful. Typically, an animal bolts when darted creating a circumstance where those coordinating the effort would have no knowledge of the animal’s status or location. Administering a drugs dosage to guarantee immediate tranquilization will more often than not be a lethal dose to the animal anyway. When law enforcement has a clear shot at a life threatening animal like a big cat, bear or great ape, they in turn assume responsibility for any future actions of that animal for at that point, they have the ability to eliminate any further threat to human life. A decision to attempt tranquilization is a gamble not worth risking human life for unless the animal is securely contained and visible at all times during tranquilization. These animals were not. We again however remind all that this tragedy is not due to the fact that these animals were from a private facility for the same tragic ending has occurred recently within AZA accredited institutions. It’s a rare and unfortunate circumstance that any facility could fall victim to regardless of size and/or accreditation.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the friends and family of Mr. Thompson as they do for the many animals that were euthanized that evening. We hope the State of Ohio will move forward with their private animal ownership legislation in a fashion that reflects fairness and reason so that the many who exercise safe and responsible animal ownership are not punished for the actions of the few who do not or the one who proved to be mentally ill. We offer our assistance in any way we can to achieve that goal for we have seen the positive results of such in many states that have authored and implemented such regulations.
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