SB 1799 Summary

• Establishes the Oklahoma Responsible Exotic Cat Ownership Act, requiring permits from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to keep exotic felines (tigers, lions, leopards, cheetahs, servals, ocelots, and similar species).

• Divides exotic felines into three classes with different permit fees ($10 for noncommercial, $48 for commercial) and experience requirements ranging from 100-500 hours of practical care experience depending on species class.

• Sets specific facility requirements including minimum acreage (5 acres for Class I/II, 2 acres for Class III), cage sizes and construction standards, perimeter fencing, enrichment items, and prohibition of exotic felines in multi-unit dwellings.

• Requires permit holders to maintain veterinary care agreements, keep records of animal origins and transfers, allow facility inspections, and report escapes to authorities; violators face liability for recapture and damage costs.

• Became effective November 1, 2012; exempts USDA-licensed facilities, educational facilities, and certain native cat operations from permitting requirements.