Appeals Court Sides With State In Exotic Animals Case

A state appeals court has sided with the Ohio Department of Agriculture in its legal battle with the former owner of six tigers and several other exotic animals. The court says the department had the right to deny a permit to Kenny Hetrick, the owner of a roadside animal sanctuary near Toledo. The ruling overturns a Wood County judge's decision ordering the state to give Hetrick a permit and return the animals. The animals have been kept in out-of-state sanctuaries during the state's appeal. Ohio seized custody in January 2015 after officials say Hetrick ignored warnings that he needed a permit. Hetrick argued he was treated differently than other exotic animal owners.