HB172 Summary

• Amends Section 3-8-1 to prohibit ownership of canidae or felidae lacking USDA or FDA approved rabies vaccines, with exceptions for zoological parks, circuses, colleges, universities, animal refuges, humane shelters, conservation agencies, and veterinary clinics.

• Adds Section 3-8-2 to make it unlawful to possess, sell, transfer, or breed large felidae (tigers, lions, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars, and hybrids) or wolves, with Class A misdemeanor penalties.

• Exempts USDA-licensed Class C exhibitors, research facilities, nonprofit wildlife sanctuaries, nonprofit animal protection organizations temporarily housing animals at law enforcement request, licensed veterinary hospitals, and law enforcement officers.

• Allows grandfathering of large felidae or wolf possession prior to the effective date if the person maintains documentation, has not acquired additional animals, has no animal abuse convictions, maintains liability insurance, develops a disaster plan, and notifies law enforcement 72 hours before sale or relocation.

• Authorizes law enforcement to arrest violators and seize animals without warrant; permits local governments to impose additional restrictions; becomes effective the first day of the third month following passage.