Va. 'dangerous animals' report outlines proposals

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Recommendations intended to ensure that exotic, potentially dangerous animals don't escape their enclosures and endanger Virginia residents are headed to Gov. Bob McDonnell.

The proposals are contained in a thick report finalized this week by a widely divergent group of state officials, private zookeepers, advocacy groups, animal control officers and others collectively known as the Dangerous Animals Initiative workgroup.

It was created in response to an incident in Ohio in 2011 when a man released his collection of big cats, primates and other exotic animals before killing himself. The animals had to be hunted down and killed.

The Virginia report reached consensus on 10 recommendations. They include the additions of obviously dangerous animals on a list of restricted animals.

The governor's office says the report is being reviewed.