MEDINA, Ohio (AP) - A judge will hear arguments about whether to dismiss a civil case filed by a northeast Ohio couple who want to keep their toothless, 41-year-old black bear despite not getting a required permit from the state.
Jeffrey and Debra Gillium of Lodi argue the caged male bear, Archie, is old and unlikely to escape. They say they weren’t adequately notified about the law and that moving or tranquilizing him would threaten his life.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture says their permit application was submitted Feb. 27, over a year after the state deadline. ODA argues the bear wasn’t registered and microchipped as required and the civil matter should be dismissed.
A magistrate has scheduled a hearing May 15.
The Gilliums also appealed their permit denial. That hearing is June 29.
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