H.B. 554: Restrictions on Dangerous Wild Animals

in North Carolina

Bill Description:
This bill makes it illegal for private individuals and disreputable roadside zoos and menageries to possess, sell, transfer, or breed dangerous wild animals.[teaserbreak] The exemptions include zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), research facilities, wildlife sanctuaries, nonprofit animal protection organizations, vets, law enforcement officers, circuses, temporary transportation of animals through the state, and previous owners as long as they register the animals.

This bill also makes it illegal for anyone to allow the public to come into direct physical contact with a dangerous wild animal.

Background:
Check out our page on exotic pets for more details on why private ownership of wild animals is both cruel and dangerous.

Our Exotic Animal Incidents Database details specific incidents involving exotic pets, many of which resulted in injury or death to people and/or the animal.

Under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), licensed owners of big cats, bears, nonhuman primates, and other wild animals can allow the public to interact with the animals. This interaction often takes the form of petting or photo opportunities. While it may seem like an exciting activity, such interactive sessions threaten both animal and human safety, undermine conservation efforts, and encourage irresponsible breeding.

It is standard in this industry to separate babies from their mothers, because young animals are easier to use in such exhibits. Sadly, this is an inhumane and unhealthy practice that can lead to lifelong physical and psychological problems – and even death. This process feeds a vicious cycle of breeding, exploiting, and then dumping baby animals, which fuels the exotic pet trade.

Take Action:
North Carolina residents, urge your state representative to support this legislation!

Read the full text and follow its progress here.

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