SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6436

                    As of February 3, 2000

Title:  An act relating to the display of wild and exotic animals for public entertainment or amusement.

Brief Description:  Prohibiting the display of wild and exotic animals for public entertainment or amusement.

Sponsors:  Senators Patterson, Prentice, Kohl‑Welles, Fairley, Heavey, Brown, Kline and Costa.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Commerce, Trade, Housing & Financial Institutions:  2/3/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, TRADE, HOUSING & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Staff:  Catherine Mele (786-7470)

Background:  Federal law provides standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals by dealers, research facilities, and exhibitors.  Local jurisdictions and states may pass laws that provide standards in addition to the federal standards.  For example, in October 1999, the City of Redmond passed an ordinance prohibiting the display of wild and exotic animals.

There are concerns that the state needs a law regarding the display of wild and exotic animals because these animals present a public safety hazard.  In addition some believe that the owners of these animals provide inadequate care and use abusive training tactics.

Summary of Bill:  A person may not display or sponsor a display of wild or exotic animals.  A person displays a wild or exotic animal by undertaking any exhibition that requires wild and exotic animals to perform tricks, fight, or participate as accompaniments in performances for the amusement or benefit of an audience.

Persons are not violating the act if the display occurs at institutions accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, the Association of Sanctuaries, on the set of a movie or television studio, or at nonaccredited permanent facilities that transport animals only for veterinary care if they exist before January 1, 2000.

A violation of the act is a misdemeanor.  A defendant guilty of a misdemeanor may pay a fine up to $1,000, and/or imprisonment in county jail for not more than 90 days.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 28, 2000

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