HB 980 Summary

• Allows killing of feral chickens on private land with the express written permission of the landowner, using methods consistent with American Veterinary Medical Association euthanasia guidelines.

• Clarifies that feral chickens are defined as a subset of "wild birds" under Hawaii law and exempts feral chicken control from wild bird protection statutes.

• Prohibits use of torture, starvation, immolation, beating, or animal fighting in connection with feral chicken removal and does not permit unauthorized entry onto private land.

• Exempts actions taken in accordance with this feral chicken removal statute from animal cruelty laws prohibiting killing of animals without need.

• Takes effect upon approval and does not affect legal proceedings or penalties that accrued before the law's effective date.