Retooled executive order saves Massillon's live mascot, Obie the tiger.
View full sizeIt's all good mews for Obie, the Massillon Tigers mascot. Gov. Ted Strickland's office today announced that an executive order aimed at protecting exotic wildlife will exempt the Massillon Tigers mascot Obie.
The 41-year-old tradition will be grandcatted, so to speak, according to an account in the Canton Repository.
The Canton Repository's Erin Pustay said the order, worked out in conjunction with the Humane Society in a bid to protect exotic animals, will exempt zoos and research facilities. But as far Massillon High fans are concerned, that's just gravy.
Obie isn’t going anywhere.
The little ball of striped fluff who struts his stuff on the Massillon sidelines should be there for years to come.
Gov. Ted Strickland announced Tuesday that he will ensure the rules regarding the sale and care of exotic animals allow for live mascot traditions at Ohio high schools and colleges to continue.
“Today, (Strickland) said he will ensure the rules allow for the established mascot programs to continue,” the governor’s press secretary Amanda Wurst said. “He will ensure the rules allow for the Massillon mascot program to continue.”