Update: Great news! HB 6552 was signed into law by Governor Rell.
Bill Description: If this bill passes, it will ban the possession of great apes as “pets.” Existing law prohibits the keeping of wild cats, bears, wolves, coyotes, and other wild canids as personal pets. In addition, HB 6552 requires the Department of Environmental Protection to adopt regulations setting forth what additional animals may be imported, possessed, or introduced into the state.
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This legislation clearly is needed — in February 2009, a woman was critically mauled by a friend’s chimpanzee. The chimpanzee, Travis, was stabbed several times by his owner and, finally, shot to death by police. HB 6552 will supply greater protection and public safety as well as improving animal welfare.