S-0255.3  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 5081

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      57th Legislature     2001 Regular Session

By Senators Haugen and Rasmussen

Read first time 01/10/2001.  Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines.

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

    AN ACT Relating to wild animal care facilities; and adding a new section to chapter 77.12 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 77.12 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) The department may adopt rules to regulate the activities of persons and facilities that care for and rehabilitate injured, diseased, or abandoned wildlife.  Upon adoption of such rules by the department, it is unlawful for any person to possess wildlife for the purpose of rehabilitation without first obtaining a current and valid permit to do so under rules adopted under this section.  A permit to care for and rehabilitate these animals issued under this section is valid for one year and may be renewed by the department.

    (2)  The department is authorized to create a program that provides financial resources and technical assistance to persons and facilities permitted under this section.

                            --- END ---