House Bill 778 Summary

• Prohibits possession, sale, transfer, and breeding of dangerous wild animals including wolves, big cats, bears, hyenas, and primates, effective December 1, 2019.

• Exempts accredited zoos, research facilities, wildlife sanctuaries, veterinary providers, circuses, and certain other institutions from the prohibition.

• Allows persons who lawfully possessed dangerous wild animals prior to June 1, 2019 to retain them under specified conditions, including $250,000 liability insurance, registration fees, and compliance inspections.

• Establishes enforcement procedures including seizure warrants, court hearings within 14 days, forfeiture provisions, and penalties ranging from Class 2 misdemeanor ($5,000 civil penalty) to Class I felony if animal escape causes serious bodily injury.

• Repeals prior exemptions under S.L. 2014-7 and S.L. 2015-73 and permits local governments to adopt additional restrictions beyond state requirements.