Update: Excellent news! While this particular bill did not complete the legislative process, the issue of dangerous exotic “pets” was addressed in Iowa. See S 564 for details.
Bill Description: If passed, this bill will ban the future private possession of dangerous wild animals as “pets,” including wild cats, wolves and coyotes, bears, nonhuman primates, and venomous snakes. Persons possessing a dangerous wild animal prior to the effective date of the act would be allowed to keep the animal if registered and certain conditions are met. Dangerous wild animals possessed in violation of the law would be subject to confiscation. Violators of the law could face a criminal penalty. The bill does not apply to accredited zoos, animal shelters, animal control, accredited wildlife sanctuaries, and circuses.
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Dangerous wild animals belong in their natural habitat instead of the hands of private individuals as “pets.” These animals pose a public safety risk as they do not adjust well to a captive environment. Across the country, many incidents have been reported where exotic animals held in private hands have attacked humans and other animals, or have escaped from their enclosure and freely roamed the community. 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.