Update: Unfortunately, this bill was held by the House committee to which it was assigned. As a result, this bill was not enacted into law this year.
Bill Description: This bill prohibits the breeding and the future possession of dangerous large carnivores such as lions, tigers, cougars, other wild cats, and bears. Those who currently possess these animals in the state would be allowed to keep the animals if they obtain a permit, meet certain animal care requirements, and have the animals microchipped. The bill provides for owner liability for damages caused by the large carnivore. Animal control facilities, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and certain educational exhibitors are exempt from the possession and permit requirements of this bill.
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Dangerous large carnivores do not adjust well to a captive environment and they spend the majority of their day in small enclosures unable to roam and express natural behaviors freely. As such, they pose a threat to public safety. The American Veterinary Medical Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all oppose private possession of certain dangerous wild animals.