Ohio reviewing high school's use of tiger cub as mascot
Massilion Washington High School in Ohio has used a live tiger cub mascot named Obie as part of the team's mascot tradition, but the caged cub's use is now under review by the state's department of agriculture, reports the Associated Press.
In past years, Massilion has leased the tiger cub from a facility and returned it following the game but this year's cub at the team's season opener was from an out-of-state facility. The high school and facility are under contract for the rest of the year and officials will inspect details to ensure the deal can be carried out.
"The legislature very explicitly intended to exempt this mascot program from the legal requirements so long as it was being done in a responsible way, so we just need to make sure that the arrangement that was made (is) not breaking any other laws," department spokeswoman Erica Hawkins told the AP.
Ohio adjusted their laws for exotic animal ownership after a suicidal man released dozens of bears, tigers and other creatures from his farm in 2011.
Obie the tiger will not be at the team's game on Thursday.
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