ACTION ALERTS

CALIFORNIA SB 313 Animals: prohibition on use in circuses


Species: ALL except domestic cats, domestic dogs and horses

Sector: Circuses


Type: Ban - Circus


Description:  Bans using any animal other than a domestic dog or cat or horse in circuses


Status: 1st reading - Natural Resources & Water


This bill was amended on March 21 to limit it to just circuses.  Then it was amended March 28 to limit circuses to having just domestic cats and dogs and horses.


ALABAMA   HB 244/SB 160   Animals, required rabies vaccines for certain canidae and felidae, further provided for, possession of certain large felidae, wolves, or bears, prohibited under certain conditions, minimum caging requirements, penalties


Species: Large felidae ((tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, clouded leopard, jaguar, cheetah, cougar, hybrids), pure wolves, bears except wild-born American black

Sector: All except:

  • USDA Class C (further restrictions)
  • USDA research
  • Nonprofit wildlife sanctuary
  • Incorporated nonprofit animal protection organization (temporary)
  • Veterinary hospital
  • Law enforcement


Type: Ban - Possess, Sale, Transfer, Breed


Description:  New ban on bears, which were previously not included.  Adds limitations on large felidae, pure wolves, including limiting USDA Class C and wildlife sanctuary exemptions. 


Status HB: 1st reading – Agriculture & Forestry - Hearing 4/3

Status SB: 1st reading - Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development


This bill is different from prior versions which allowed felids and canids to be possessed if FDA vaccine existed.  It also adds bears which were previously not regulated.


RECENTLY PASSED LEGISLATION:





RECENTLY FAILED LEGISLATION:





ACTIVE BILLS

TEXAS   HB 1268/SB 641  Relating to dangerous wild animals; providing penalties; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a fee.


Species: bears, hyenas, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, macaques, cheetah, clouded leopard, cougar, jaguar, leopard, lion, snow leopard, tiger, hybrids

Sector: All except for:

  • County, municipality or agency
  • Research
  • Certain USDA Class A/B/C
  • Certain wildlife sanctuaries
  • Veterinary hospital
  • Rehabilitation
  • College/ university mascot existed by 9/1/19 if no public contact
  • Animal shelter temporarily
  • Grandfathered owners

Type: Ban - Own, possess, breed


Description:  Bans possession, sale, transfer and breeding of dangerous wild animals; limits USDA to those that meet certain requirements; requires current owners to register, have escape plan and more; provides process for seizures, violations and penalties


Status HB: Public Health - Hearing 4/3

Status SB: Water & Rural Affairs - Hearing 4/1