Update (October, 2014): This bill failed to pass before the session ended, but was reintroduced in 2015 as S.B. 263.
Bill description:
Prohibits private ownership of exotic wildlife, including bears, big cats, primates, and other potentially dangerous animals.[teaserbreak]
- People who already have such pets would be allowed to keep them, as long as they have a permit.
- Expands and strengthens the definition of exotic wildlife and of exotic wildlife dealers.
- Prohibits the public to have direct contact with exotic wildlife at menageries.
Background:
A similar bill in 2012 never made it to the Senate floor. Thirty-three states have more stringent laws regarding ownership of exotic pets than Pennsylvania.