SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5081

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines, February 19, 2001

Title:  An act relating to wild animal care facilities.

Brief Description:  Requiring a permit from the department of fish and wildlife to operate a facility that cares for or rehabilitates wild animals.

Sponsors:  Senators Haugen and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines:  1/24/01, 2/19/01 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & SHORELINES

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5081 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Spanel, Vice Chair; Constantine, Hargrove, Morton, Oke, Snyder and Stevens.

Staff:  David Johnson (786‑7754)

Background:  Injured, abandoned, and problem wildlife often require care and rehabilitation.  Much wildlife rehabilitation is done by private individuals or groups.  There is concern that rehabilitators need more regular inspection and assistance from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The department is given specific authority to adopt rules relating to wildlife rehabilitators.  Persons or facilities permitted to rehabilitate wild animals must be inspected every three years.  The department is authorized to provide financial assistance to rehabilitators.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The substitute made permittees subject to inspection every three years.  It removed the technical assistance provision and added a $30,000 appropriation for financial assistance to rehabilitators.

Appropriation:  $30,000.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Volunteer rehabilitators respond to problems so Fish and Wildlife and local law enforcement don't have to.  They provide a great public service.  They often pay for testing and supplies themselves.  It would be even better if Fish and Wildlife could contract with rehabilitators.  This will lead to a better working relationship between rehabilitators and the department.  Technical assistance would assist rehabilitators and help educate the public.

Testimony Against:  (on original bill)  An indefinite permit is more efficient than annual renewals.  Without an appropriation, the department doesn't have the resources to provide financial or technical assistance.

Testified:  Kip Parker, PAWS; Steve Pozzanghera, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.