Update: This bill failed to pass in 2015.
Bill Description:
This bill makes it illegal for any person to possess, sell, transfer or breed a dangerous wild animal, which is defined as big cats, bears, and non-human primates.[teaserbreak]
Exemptions:
• Institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
• Research facilities as defined under the Animal Welfare Act
• Wildlife sanctuaries
• Nonprofit organizations like shelters temporarily housing animal at request of law enforcement
• Veterinary hospitals
• Law enforcement officers
• Circuses
• Animals being temporarily transported through the state, as long as it’s for less than 24 hours, the animal isn’t exhibited, and the animal is contained at all times
The bill allows people who already owned dangerous wild animals prior to June 1, 2015 to keep their animals, as long as they meet the following conditions:
• They don’t acquire additional animals, whether through purchase, breeding, or donation
• They maintain documents proving the date the acquired the animal
• They haven’t been convicted of animal abuse or neglect
• They have escape, succession, and disaster plans prepared
• They have sufficient training to provide species-specific care
• They register with and pay an annual fee to the local animal control
This bill also prohibits public contact with dangerous wild animals, regardless of the age of the animal.
Background:
Check out our page on exotic pets for more details on why private ownership of wild animals is both cruel and dangerous.
Read about the inherent cruelty and the danger to public safety associated with allowing public contact with wild animals (including big cats) here.
Read the full text here.