Bill description:
This bill prohibits private ownership of exotic wildlife, including bears, big cats, primates, and other potentially dangerous animals.[teaserbreak]
It also expands and strengthens the definition of exotic wildlife and of exotic wildlife dealers, and prohibits public contact with exotic wildlife.
Menageries (facilities that exhibit animals) are exempt from the ownership prohibition, as are wildlife sanctuaries and exotic wildlife dealers. People who already have such pets would be allowed to keep them, as long as they have a permit and have not been convicted or fined for animal abuse or neglect.
Background:
This bill was previously introduced as S.B. 521/H.B. 575 in 2013.
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 here.
Take Action:
Pennsylvania residents, call or email your state senator and urge him or her to support this legislation!
Read the full text and follow its progress here.