ALLOW BREEDING OF LARGE CARNIVORES

House Bill 5163

Sponsor:  Rep. Rob VerHeulen

Committee:  Regulatory Reform

Complete to 2-3-14

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5163 AS INTRODUCED 12-4-13

The bill would amend the Large Carnivore Act (at MCL 287.1103) to allow for the breeding of large carnivores under certain conditions.  Currently, the breeding of large carnivores is prohibited.

[Under the act, large carnivore refers to lions, leopards, tigers, cougars, panthers, cheetahs, including a hybrid cross with any of the aforementioned cats, and bears.]

Specifically, the bill would allow (1) accredited zoological parks, (2) individuals holding class C licenses under federal law [9 CFR Part 2], and (3) individuals holding a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service captive-bred wildlife registration under 50 CFR 17, provided they also meet both of the following conditions:

o                    The individual is breeding the large carnivore for conservation purposes as part of an approved science-based breeding program.

o                    The individual is not breeding the large carnivore for the purpose of selling, bartering, leasing, or trading the animal or its offspring or animal parts for commercial profit.

"Science-based breeding program" would mean a cooperative, organized breeding program approved by the state that includes all of the following:

o                    A demonstration of financial sustainability.

o                    Physical facilities to house animals, including progeny.

o                    A long-term genetic management plan.

o                    A system of record-keeping.

o                    A relationship between the program and conservation of the species in the wild.

o                    Plans for placement of all animals as part of ongoing program implementation or voluntary or involuntary closure of the facility.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no significant fiscal impact for the state or local units of government.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Jeff Stoutenburg

                                                                                                   Fiscal Analyst:   Paul Holland

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.