LA HB662

Requires the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to obtain a warrant from the district court before seizing sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife legally possessed under the state's Wildlife Rehabilitation Program (R.S. 56:126).

Prohibits euthanizing seized wildlife without a contradictory court hearing and a court order finding the animal poses an immediate danger to public health, safety, and welfare.

Allows individuals whose wildlife has been seized to file a petition for a hearing at no cost, with the court required to schedule the hearing within 5 days and give it priority over other matters.

Mandates that wildlife not found to pose an immediate danger must be returned to the individual, who must comply with rehabilitation program requirements under R.S. 56:126(B).

Applies both prospectively and retroactively to any animal possessed under the Wildlife Rehabilitation Program, regardless of when possession began.