HB 1151-S.E - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

Provides that a person may not own, possess, keep, harbor, bring into the state, or have custody or control of a dangerous or potentially dangerous wild animal unless that person holds a personal possession permit for that animal issued by an animal control authority.

Provides that, for each dangerous or potentially dangerous wild animal, the possessor shall comply with the American zoo and aquarium association's minimum husbandry guidelines of 1997 for care and maintenance of that animal.

Provides that a dangerous or potentially dangerous wild animal must not be tethered, leashed, or chained outdoors, or allowed to run at large.

Declares that a dangerous or potentially dangerous wild animal must not be mistreated, neglected, abandoned, or deprived of necessary food, water, and sustenance, as defined under chapter 16.52 RCW.

Requires a person transporting a dangerous or potentially dangerous wild animal in a vehicle to keep the animal securely caged in the vehicle at all times.

Requires the possessor to contact the animal control authority if the possessor can no longer care for the dangerous or potentially dangerous wild animal.

Requires a possessor of a lion, tiger, cougar, panther, jaguar, cheetah, leopard, bear, chimpanzee, or gorilla to maintain liability insurance coverage in an amount of not less than one hundred thousand dollars for each occurrence for liability damages for destruction of or substantial damage to property and death or bodily injury to a person caused by the animal. The possessor shall provide a copy of the policy for liability insurance to the animal control authority on an annual basis.

Provides that the possessor of a dangerous or potentially dangerous wild animal, when provided with reasonable notice, shall allow the animal control authority, its staff, and its agents to enter the premises where the animal is kept once per year to ensure compliance with this act. No notice is required if the animal control authority has probable cause to believe that the animal is being kept in violation of this act.

Provides that a dangerous or potentially dangerous wild animal that physically attacks, severely injures, or kills a person or domestic animal is subject to immediate confiscation by the animal control authority. Upon conviction of the possessor, the animal control authority may relocate or euthanize the animal in accordance with this act.

Designates penalties for violations of the act.

Provides that a city or county may adopt an ordinance governing dangerous wild animals that is more restrictive than this act.