Government links:

All States Legislative Resource:
Animal Protection Institute
http://www.api4animals.org/ legislation_archive_state.php?cat=14&m=2007

Summary of state laws relating to the private possession of exotic animals, from the Animal Protection Institute
http://www.api4animals.org/b4a_thelaw.php

State governments have taken the lead in regulating the sale, possession, and use of captive wild and exotic animals in the United States. The laws vary from state to state on the type of regulation imposed,—prohibition, licensing, or no regulation at all. Laws also vary on the specific animals regulated. Generally, 35 states have some form of law governing the issue while 15 states have nothing.

States with Pending Legislation, 2007:
Below is a list of proposed legislation, listed by state and including the bill number(s) and CWAPC's position on each bill. These bills affect laws governing captive wildlife at the state level. We encourage you to contact your state legislators and let them know you support legislation that improves public safety and the welfare of captive wild animals. (If you're not sure who your state representatives are, use this form at Congress.org to find out. First, select your state from the drop-down list and click GO; then enter your address on the following page for the names of your state legislators.)
 

California

Bill: A 777 Protects Elephants from Cruelty
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill will prohibit the use of an ankus, bullhook, or similar device on an elephant. In addition, the use of chains on an elephant is prohibited except for medical treatment. In addition, this bill sets minimum care requirements for elephants housed at stationary facilities.

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Connecticut

Bill: H 6599 Prevents Abuse of Elephants
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill would make it unlawful for a person who owns or travels with elephants to engage in inhumane or abusive treatment toward them. Specifically, this bill bans the use of any implement that may reasonably result in harm to an elephant. These implements include an electric prod, bullhook, ankus or similar device.

Bill: H 7019 Prohibits the Abuse of Elephants Using Bullhooks or Prods
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill would make it unlawful for a person who owns or travels with elephants to engage in inhumane or abusive treatment toward them. Specifically, this bill bans the use of any implement that may reasonably result in harm to an elephant. These implements include an electric prod, bullhook, ankus, or similar device.

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Florida

Bill: S 596 Bans the Feeding of Alligators
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill would ban the feeding of wild alligators and crocodiles.

Bill: S 1658 Strengthens Oversight of Pet Dealers
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill would strengthen state oversight of pet dealers. It would assign oversight responsibility to the department of agriculture and consumer services as well as allowing them to adopt rules. In addition, enforcement provisions would be enhanced.

Indiana

Bill: S 482 Prohibits Dangerous Wild Animals as Pets
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill will ban the future private possession of dangerous wild animals as "pets," including elephants, wild cats, wolves, bears, non-human primates, and venomous reptiles. Persons possessing a dangerous wild animal prior to the effective date of the act would be required to obtain a permit to keep the animal. Dangerous wild animals possessed in violation of the law would be subject to confiscation. The animals also could be confiscated if they pose a public health or safety risk. The bill does not apply to acredited zoos, animal control, wildlife rehabilitators, accredited sanctuaries, and circuses.

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Iowa

Bill: H 302 Prohibits Dangerous Wild Animals as Pets
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill will ban the future private possession of dangerous wild animals as "pets," including wild cats, wolves and coyotes, bears, nonhuman primates, and venomous snakes. Persons possessing a dangerous wild animal prior to the effective date of the act would be allowed to keep the animal if registered and certain conditions are met. Dangerous wild animals possessed in violation of the law would be subject to confiscation. Violators of the law could face a criminal penalty. The bill does not apply to accredited zoos, animal shelters, animal control, accredited wildlife sanctuaries, and circuses.

Bill: H 333 Bans the Private Possession of Certain Exotic Animals
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: This bill would ban the private possession of certain exotic animals, including lions, tigers, bears, pandas, gorillas, and chimpanzees. Current possessors of these animals would be required to meet certain criteria, including registration with the state department of agriculture, implanting a microchip in each animal, and having a plan for veterinary care. Violations of the law could result in seizure and disposition of the animals. This law would not apply to those licensed by the US Department of Agriculture.

Bill: H 712 Prohibits the Possession of Dangerous Wild Animals as Pets
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill will ban the future private possession of dangerous wild animals as "pets," including elephants, wild cats, wolves and coyotes, bears, no-human primates, and venomous and certain constrictor snakes. Persons possessing a dangerous wild animal prior to the effective date of the act would be allowed to keep the animal if registered and certain conditions are met. Dangerous wild animals possessed in violation of the law would be subject to confiscation. Violators of the law could face a civil penalty. The bill does not apply to accredited zoos, animal shelters, animal control, accredited wildlife sanctuaries, and circuses. The state department of agriculture would be required to draft rules to implement the new law.

Bill: S 135 Prohibits the Possession of Dangerous Wild Animals as Pets
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill will ban the future private possession of dangerous wild animals as "pets," including elephants, wild cats, wolves and coyotes, bears, nonhuman primates, and venomous and certain constrictor snakes. Persons possessing a dangerous wild animal prior to the effective date of the act would be allowed to keep the animal if registered and certain conditions are met. Dangerous wild animals possessed in violation of the law would be subject to confiscation. Violators of the law could face a civil penalty. The bill does not apply to accredited zoos, animal shelters, animal control, accredited wildlife sanctuaries, and circuses.

Bill: S 511 Restrict the Possession of Exotic Animals as Pets
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill will restict the future private possession of dangerous wild animals as "pets," including wild cats, wolves and other wild dogs, bears, nonhuman primates, crocodiles, and venomous snakes. Persons possessing a dangerous wild animal prior to the effective date of the act would be allowed to keep the animal if registered and the animals are microchipped. Dangerous wild animals possessed in violation of the law would be subject to confiscation. Violators of the law could face a civil penalty. The bill does not apply to accredited zoos, wildlife rehabilitators, animal shelters, animal control, accredited wildlife sanctuaries, and circuses.

Bill: S 564 Prohibits the Possession of Exotic Animals as "Pets"
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill will prohibit the future private possession of dangerous wild animals as "pets," including lions and other wild cats, wolves and other wild dogs, bears, nonhuman primates, alligators, and certain dangerous snakes. Persons possessing a dangerous wild animal prior to the effective date of the act would be allowed to keep the animal if registered and certain conditions are met. Dangerous wild animals possessed in violation of the law would be subject to confiscation. Violators of the law could face a civil fine. The bill does not apply to accredited zoos, animal shelters, animal control, accredited wildlife sanctuaries, assistance animals, and circuses.

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Maine

Bill: H 1144 Prohibits the Recreational Trapping of Bears
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill would prohibit the recreational or commercial trapping of bears. The exceptions are that traps could be used to capture bears if human health and safety were jeopardized, or for scientific research, or to abate property damage.

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Massachusetts

Bill: H 150 Strengthens Enforcement of Pet Shop Laws
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: This bill would strengthen existing state law to allow investigators from the division of consumer affairs to inspect pet shops. The effect of this law would be to expand protections for birds, mammals, and reptiles that are sold within the state or that are imported or exported from the state.

Bill: S 2002 Prohibits Abuse of Elephants with Bullhooks or Prods
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill would make it unlawful for a person who owns or travels with elephants to engage in inhumane or abusive treatment toward them. Specifically, this bill bans the use of any implement that may reasonably result in harm to an elephant. These implements include an electric prod, bullhook, ankus, or similar device.

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Missouri

Bill: H 901 Limits the Possession of Dangerous Large Carnivores
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: This bill prohibits the breeding and the future possession of dangerous large carnivores such as lions, tigers, cougars, other wild cats, and bears. Those who currently possess these animals in the state would be allowed to keep the animals if they obtain a permit, meet certain animal care requirements, and have the animals microchipped. The bill provides for owner liability for damages caused by the large carnivore. Animal control facilities, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and certain educational exhibitors are exempt from the possession and permit requirements of this bill.

Bill: S 206 Limits the Possession of Dangerous Large Carnivores
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: This bill prohibits the breeding and the future possession of dangerous large carnivores such as lions, tigers, cougars, other wild cats, and bears. Those who currently possess these animals in the state would be allowed to keep the animals if they obtain a permit, meet certain animal care requirements, and have the animals microchipped. The bill provides for owner liability for damages caused by the large carnivore. Animal control facilities, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and certain educational exhibitors are exempt from the possession and permit requirements of this bill.

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New York

Bill: A 7255 Regulates the Treatment of Elephants
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill would require that circuses and other traveling exhibitions with elephants file an advance itinerary, meet basic transport requirements, and allow inspections of the animals. In addition, the bill would make it unlawful to use an electric prod, bullhook, ankus, or similar device to abuse an elephant.

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North Carolina

Bill: S 1330 Requires Fundamental Care of Animals Sold at Flea Markets
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill will require require that vendors who sell animals at flea markets must be licensed and provide basic care for the animals offered for sale at the flea markets. Animal shelters, pet stores, kennels, and auctions already follow these rules.

Bill: S 1477 Prohibits the Private Possession of Dangerous Wild Animals as "Pets"
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill will prohibit the future private possession of dangerous wild animals as "pets," including elephants, lions and other wild cats, wolves, bears, nonhuman primates, crocodiles, and venomous and certain constrictor snakes. Persons possessing a dangerous wild animal prior to the effective date of the act would be allowed to keep the animal if registered and certain conditions are met. Dangerous wild animals possessed in violation of the law would be subject to confiscation. Violators of the law could face a civil penalty. The bill does not apply to accredited zoos, animal control, accredited wildlife sanctuaries, and circuses.

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Ohio

Bill: H 45 Prohibits the Possession of Dangerous Wild Animals as Pets
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this legislation will ban the future private possession of wild animals as "pets," including elephants, lions and other large wild cats, black bears, wolves and other wild dogs, nonhuman primates, and dangerous snakes. Persons possessing these wild animals prior to the effective date of the act would be allowed to keep the animals if a permit is obtained and if certain fencing and animal care requirements are met. Animals possessed in violation of the law would be subject to confiscation. Violators of the law would face a civil penalty. The bill does not apply to accredited zoos, educational institutions, animal shelters, accredited wildlife sanctuaries, and circuses.

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Oregon

Bill: H 2928 Strengthens Protections for Pet Shop Animals
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill would require retailers to provide veterinary care to anmals that are injured or ill, as well as providing sufficient space for the animals. In addition, the bill prohibits pet stores from selling unweaned animals, including birds. Finally, the bill requires pet stores to provide information regarding the proper care of the animals to individuals who purchase them.

Bill: H 3437 Strengthens Exotic "Pets" Law
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this legislation would strengthen existing laws to ban the future private possession of dangerous wild animals as "pets," including lions and other non-domesticated cats, bears, wolves and other wild canines, nonhuman primates, and crocodiles. Persons possessing a dangerous wild animal prior to the effective date of the act would be allowed to keep the animal pursuant to an existing permit. Possessors of these animals would not be allowed to breed the animals. The bill does not apply to accredited zoos, wildlife rehabilitators, accredited wildlife sanctuaries, and circuses. Under existing law, these animals (with the exception of crocodiles) can be possessed if a permit is obtained.

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Texas

Bill: H 1309 Regulates the Possession of Dangerous Reptiles
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill would strengthen existing law governing the private possession of poisonous reptiles. Existing wildlife regulations would be modified to require a permit in order to possess or transport non-indigenous live venomous snakes and live constrictor snakes. The permit requirement would not apply to circuses, zoos, and state or county officials.

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Washington

Bill: H 1418 Prohibits Dangerous Wild Animals as Pets
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this legislation will ban the future private possession of dangerous wild animals as "pets," including elephants, lions and other large wild cats, wolves, bears, non-human primates, and venomous snakes. Persons possessing a dangerous wild animal prior to the effective date of the act would be allowed to keep the animal. Dangerous wild animals possessed in violation of the law would be subject to confiscation. The animals also could be confiscated if they pose a public safety risk. Violators of the law would face a civil penalty. The bill does not apply to accredited zoos, animal shelters, animal control, wildlife rehabilitators, accredited wildlife sanctuaries, and circuses.

Bill: S 5379 Prohibits Dangerous Wild Animals as Pets
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this bill will ban the future private possession of dangerous wild animals as "pets," including elephants, lions and other large wild cats, wolves, bears, non-human primates, and venomous snakes. Persons possessing a dangerous wild animal prior to the effective date of the act would be allowed to keep the animal. Dangerous wild animals possessed in violation of the law would be subject to confiscation. The animals also could be confiscated if they pose a public safety risk. Violators of the law would face a civil penalty. The bill does not apply to accredited zoos, animal shelters, animal control, wildlife rehabilitators, accredited wildlife sanctuaries, and circuses.

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West Virginia

Bill: S 384 Regulates Non-native Animals Kept as Pets
CWAPC Position: SUPPORT
Bill Description: If passed, this legislation would create a state non-native animal regulation board to identify domestic and exotic animal species that threaten public health and safety, endanger wildlife or livestock, or could injure certain industries. The legislation would allow the seizure of animals that threaten the health and safety of humans or other animals if the proper procedures are followed. Those who sell these animals commercially would be required to register with the state. Finally, the board would establish standards for the breeding and possession of non-native and dangerous animals.

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