State takes tigers from Marion County man

The state says that they gave Mike Stapleton more than enough time to comply with a 2014 law setting standards for keeping exotic animals…and that he failed to comply. As a result, officials this week took his five tigers away.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture says that when the law regarding the keeping of exotic animals went into effect, people who already owned such creatures were permitted to apply for classification as an exotic animal shelter. Stapleton applied for that distinction but the state says that, even given extended deadlines, he failed to comply with requirements to meet the criteria. According to Stapleton, he was working to meet the necessary standards. The state says that the law is intended to keep people safe and Stapleton had been dragging his feet on the issue.

30 agents showed up at the Marion County property on Monday and took possession of the big cats. They have been taken to Reynoldsburg for holding and are likely destined for placement in out-of-state sanctuaries.

On Facebook, Stapleton addressed a supporter and sounded defiant towards the actions of the state.

It’s heart breaking. I’m down but not out. I will heal and still fight the state. I know I will never see my tigers again. They died here today. But that doesn’t mean I can’t be a pain in their ass [for] the rest of my life. They think they shut me down…….little do they know this is the beginning.

(jj)

(photo credit: Mike Stapleton)

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