Update (April 13, 2016): This bill failed to pass before the end of the 2016 session.
Update (January 26, 2016): The bill was amended in committee to also exempt facilities accredited by the Zoological Association of America. We strongly oppose this amendment.
Bill Description:
This bill prohibits the possession, propagation, and sale of dangerous exotic animals, which are defined as nonnative big cats, nonnative bears, apes, and crocodilians. The prohibition applies only to private individuals, and the bill exempts veterinarians, AZA accredited zoos, municipal zoos, circuses, federally licensed research facilities, and wildlife sanctuaries. Current owners are also allowed to keep their animals as long as they register with the state and do not acquire any new ones.[teaserbreak]
The bill also prohibits public contact with dangerous exotic animals.
Background:
Check out our page on exotic pets for more details on why private ownership of wild animals is both cruel and dangerous.
Read the full text here for the Senate bill and here for the House bill.