COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – A northeast Ohio high school that uses a live tiger cub as a mascot has been warned it must submit more documentation to continue that tradition without violating the state’s law on dangerous animals.
Records obtained by The Associated Press show the Massillon Washington High School booster club that provides the tiger is among over a dozen animal owners contacted by the Ohio Department of Agriculture in recent months over compliance concerns.
A recent ODA letter says the boosters claimed an exemption but must provide more proof. It requests affidavits indicating the school’s tiger would live at an accredited facility and be cared for by the school throughout its life.
It’s not clear how that request might affect the live-mascot tradition this year. School and booster club officials didn’t respond to messages seeking comment.