SENATE BILL REPORT

                           SSB 6231

              AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 9, 1994

Brief Description:  Permitting control of life‑threatening animals.

SPONSORS: Senate Committee on Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Hargrove, Owen, M. Rasmussen and Morton)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6231 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; Hargrove, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Erwin, Franklin, Haugen, Oke, Sellar, L. Smith and Spanel.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates: January 28, 1994; January 31, 1994

BACKGROUND:

There is currently no statutory authority which allows a person to kill an animal which poses an imminent threat to human life.

SUMMARY:

A person may kill a bear or cougar that is reasonably perceived to be an unavoidable and immediate threat to human life. 

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Recent cases of human injury due to cougar and bear attacks support passage of the legislation.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Louie Muller, LCFFA; Anthony de la Torre, WA Dept. of Wildlife; Brandt Castleton