COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) _ Tigers and other creatures seized from a sanctuary will remain in a holding facility after the state denied the owner's latest bid for permits under Ohio's law on dangerous wild animals.
Owner Kenny Hetrick sought two types of permits for the Stony Ridge facility, south of Toledo. Records show the director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture denied both permits Thursday after having administrative hearings on the matter.
The director's order says Hetrick submitted an incomplete application after the deadline, didn't microchip all his animals as mandated, and had facilities that didn't meet legal requirements.
Hetrick had objected, arguing that the state worked with other owners on compliance issues and that he was treated differently. He said he made facility improvements and tried unsuccessfully to get help from the department.
