"I don't care how good you are at business planning, a business plan can't handle this kind of disruption," Trimbach said. "The reptiles, they're still selling a little because there is a lot of out-of-state sales. The mammals, they actually forbid us from buying, selling, trading or doing any other business with them whatsoever."
Township residents expressed concern about the business even before laws changed. Trustee Nancy Brown has been vocal in her opposition to Trimbach plying his trade in such a populated area. About 19,000 people live in the township.
"Would you want to live next to a bear?" she asked. "If it were your neighbor, would you want to live across the street and let your children and grandchildren go out to play, knowing there are wild and hazardous animals across the street?"
Those who owned exotic animals prior to the law were allowed to keep their creatures but had to register them with the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, they will also be required to obtain a new state-issued wildlife shelter permit, which includes more stringent housing guidelines. For Trimbach, he said the much larger and more expensive enclosures Ohio will require for his snakes are beyond what he feels is necessary or can afford.
Instead of pursuing the state permit, he's applied to the Zoological Association of America for facility membership and accreditation. If obtained, Trimbach's facility would be exempt from state guidelines.
The first step is general membership, which will require his facility and enclosures to be inspected. Trimbach said that should happen before the end of the month and the state's subsequent deadline for permitting. Actual accreditation can take up to five years, and if Trimbach was not approved he would find himself out of compliance with state law which could result in the forfeiture of his animals. Because the application review process is so lengthy, he will be permitted to buy, sell and breed his existing animals and any others he may acquire until the ZAA board makes a decision, according to the agency's guidelines.
Considering the state regulations already in place, Brown said she "can't believe" an owner can be exempted before receiving accreditation.
"Sean Trimbach does take very good care of his animals. However, my concern is the location of his facility and the safety... if that bear were to get out, or the snakes," she said.
The state requires every county's Emergency Management Agency (EMA) to create a Dangerous Wild Animals Response Team and develop a plan for how to handle emergencies involving exotic animals. Trimbach is a member of the Clark County team, both as an exotic animal expert and owner. The local plan, which is in its final draft, outlines response protocols and how to stop an animal should it need to be euthanized. Lisa D'Allessandris, EMA director, said the state intends to use Clark County's plan as an example for others. Since she began working with Trimbach, she said she's found him to be very professional and open about his animals.
"I think half the battle is knowing what we have in the county and by knowing that we can be prepared," she said.
Even with the state exemption, Trimbach said he will still have to comply with ZAA and federal regulations. Only three Ohio facilities have become accredited with the ZAA thusfar. Certain animals, like the Burmese python, are prohibited from being sold across state lines by federal mandates. In every case, he'd be required to document all transactions and only sell animals to those who are federally permitted.
"It's not like I am going to be selling these to your neighbors," Trimbach said. "Being exempted from a law does not mean we can do whatever we want. We still have to follow regulations, just not the state's regulations."
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