HB1339 Summary

• Prohibits the establishment and operation of wildlife enclosures for cervids or exotic animals in Mississippi after July 1, 2014, for both commercial and noncommercial purposes.

• Transfers regulatory authority over cervid enclosures and chronic wasting disease from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to the Board of Animal Health and State Veterinarian.

• Requires the Board of Animal Health to revoke permit applications for any new wildlife enclosures, with Class I penalties for violations based on the number of cervids contained.

• Mandates a report to the legislature by September 30, 2014, documenting all existing wildlife enclosures, their locations, acreage, and chronic wasting disease status.

• Repeals regulations governing hunting of nonnative cervids in enclosed facilities and establishes a permanent moratorium on importing elk, red deer, mule deer, and other cervids susceptible to chronic wasting disease.