Judge hears testimony

about Ohio exotic animal law

An animal owner has told a federal judge that Ohio's new regulations on exotic creatures would wipe out most of her business and put her animals' lives in danger.

Cyndi Huntsman testified that a requirement that animals receive a microchip for identification would put animals at risk because of sedation during surgery.

Huntsman owns Stump Hill Farm near Massillon. She exhibits bears, lions and tigers to school children and the elderly through educational programs. She is one of four owners suing the state over the new law claiming it violates their property and First Amendment rights.

The state defends the law as a common sense measure to address the growing public safety problem of private ownership of exotic animals.