LARGE CARNIVORE ACT: EXEMPTION S.B. 210:
COMMITTEE SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 210 (as introduced 3-2-11)
Sponsor: Senator Joe Hune
Committee: Agriculture
Date Completed: 6-27-11
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Large Carnivore Act to exempt from the Act a person whose facilities were accredited by the Zoological Association of America.
The Act regulates the possession and transportation of a "large carnivore", including requirements for the condition, maintenance, and use of a "facility". The Act prohibits the possession of a large carnivore without a permit; regulates the handling and care of large carnivores; establishes standards for keeping large carnivores; and specifies owners' responsibilities in instances of attacks. The Act includes misdemeanor penalties for violations, and permits the seizure of a large carnivore under certain circumstances.
"Large carnivore" is defined as any of the following cats of the Felidae family, whether wild or captive bred, including a hybrid cross with such a cat: a lion, a leopard (including a snow leopard or clouded leopard), a jaguar, a tiger, a cougar, a panther, or a cheetah; or a bear of a species that is native or nonnative to Michigan, whether wild or captive bred. "Facility" means an indoor or outdoor cage, pen, or similar enclosure where a large carnivore is kept.
The Act contains several exemptions from various provisions, including an exemption for a zoological park approved or accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association from requirements regarding obtaining a permit for possession of a large carnivore, the placement of an identification number via subcutaneous microchip, and confinement and control of the animal. In addition, the Act does not apply to a circus.
Under the bill, the Act also would not apply to a person whose facilities were accredited by the Zoological Association of America.
MCL 287.1122 Legislative Analyst: Patrick Affholter
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State.
The bill would have an indeterminate fiscal impact on local government. It is unclear how many people would be exempted from the criminal penalties established in the Large Carnivore Act. To the extent that the additional exemption reduced misdemeanor convictions related to the possession of large carnivores, local units of government would realize reduced corrections costs.
Fiscal Analyst: Bruce Baker
Matthew Grabowski
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb210/1112