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Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Lawmakers Give “Exotic” Animals Legitimacy
Llamas and alpacas are getting a little respect as part of a bill signed Wednesday by Gov. Ted Strickland.
House Bill 352 classifies llamas and alpacas as livestock in laws dealing with financial assistance to livestock exhibitions, concentrated animal feeding facilities, licensure of livestock dealers and registration of livestock brands.
Supporters say the bill addresses a widespread perception that llamas and alpacas are “exotic” animals, often viewed as hobbies instead of a way to make a living. That can make it more difficult for prospective alpaca owners to finance purchases of the animals through banks.
The reclassification of llamas and alpacas means the animals will be subject to more testing for disease by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Ohio has more alpacas than any other state, with 18 percent of the U.S. population.
What do you think? Do you put alpacas and llamas in the same league as cattle, hogs and chickens, or do you tend to think of them as “exotic” animals?
