Medina County couple still fighting to keep pet bear

A judge has dismissed a civil case by a northeast Ohio couple who want to keep their toothless, 41-year-old black bear despite not getting a required state permit.

A Medina County judge ruled the court could have jurisdiction to consider an injunction if the animal were seized but can’t appropriately address that yet because the state hasn’t tried to remove the bear.

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 long after the deadline.

The Gilliums appealed their permit denial. A hearing on that is slated in June.