Update: Unfortunately, this bill did not complete the legislative process prior to adjournment.
Bill Description: Existing law regulates the possession of dangerous wild animals, such as lions, tigers, and other wild cats, and bears. If passed, this bill would add non-human primates, non-domesticated canids, and venomous reptiles to the existing laws and it would ban the propagation of these animals. Possessors of these animals would be required to register. Zoos, circuses, qualified animal sanctuaries, animal control agencies, licensed wildlife rehabilitators, and veterinarians would be exempted from complying with the law.
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Dangerous wild animals belong in their natural habitat and not in the hands of private individuals as “pets.” By their very nature, these animals are potentially dangerous and 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.