Mo. lawmaker wants tougher exotic animal laws

ST. LOUIS — A legislator from Warren County where a man was attacked by a tiger earlier this week says he'll again try to strengthen state law related to exotic animals.

Republican State Rep. Mike Sutherland has sought changes to a state exotic animal law since 2004. He expects he'll seek reforms again in the next legislative session.

The Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation says it supports the proposal to have dangerous animals in the state microchipped and registered once a year. The group also wants improved safety guidelines.

The Alliance for the Conservation of Exotic Felines says it generally doesn't support changes like those. It says there are already laws in place to ensure public safety and animal welfare.