Update: Great news! This legislation was signed into law by Governor Kulongoski.
Bill Description: If this bill passes, it will prohibit the future possession of certain wild and dangerous animals, including but not limited to wild cats, bears, primates, and bears.[teaserbreak]
Keeping wild animals in untrained hands threatens both public safety and animal welfare. These animals can attack, they can spread deadly diseases, and it is difficult if not impossible for individuals to meet their needs in captivity. Whether the animal is a lion, tiger, bear, wolf, monkey, ocelot, or alligator, wild animals belong in the wild. SB 391 is especially important in light of the recent tragedy in Connecticut involving Travis, the “pet” chimpanzee who attacked his possessor’s neighbor. It is high time that Oregon prohibits the private possession of all primates as well as other exotic animals kept in private possession.