State Representative Brian Hill (R-Zanesville) issued the following statement today regarding Governor Kasich’s executive order on exotic animal regulations:

“I would like to thank Governor Kasich and his staff for their quick response in addressing the need for more procedures that protect the public against exotic animals. Although no person was injured or killed by one of these animals during the recent incident in Zanesville, this is a very important and lingering issue to the 94th House District and the rest of Ohio that requires timely action.

“Through the governor’s executive order, we will be able to find an immediate solution within Ohio’s agriculture, natural resources and health agencies, as well as county humane societies, to track down and investigate where these potentially-dangerous animals are located and enforce the laws that are already on the books. Additionally, we will be better equipped to respond to these situations and care for any animals captured or confiscated with the help of Ohio’s zoos.

“I look forward to continuing my work as part of a task force to craft and enact broader legislation that will ensure the public safety and protect against any dangerous situations in the future.”