HB 2807 - DIGEST

(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

     Declares that, in addition to the authority conveyed to the department of health in chapter 16.70 RCW and to the department of agriculture in chapter 16.36 RCW, the department of fish and wildlife may by rule identify nonnative wildlife species that pose a physical threat to the safety of Washington citizens.  It is unlawful for any person to bring into or keep in the state animals so identified by the department.  This prohibition on bringing and keeping these animals in the state does not apply to zoos, animal research facilities, or similar facilities.

     Finds that keeping tigers and other nonnative species of the family felidae with male adult body weight averaging over two hundred fifty pounds as pets poses a physical threat to the safety of citizens living near the big cats.  The department of fish and wildlife shall prohibit the import of these animals as part of implementing this act.

     Provides that any such animals being kept as pets in the state of Washington must be relocated to another state or to a facility within the state, such as a zoo, within thirty days after the effective date of this act.