Signed by Governor Ralph Northam

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with house amendments and pass a bill that prohibits a keeper of dangerous captive animals from providing to any member of the public direct contact with such dangerous captive animal.

Highlights:

• Defines “dangerous captive animal” as any bear, cougar, jaguar, leopard, lion, nonhuman primate, or tiger, or any hybrid of any such animal (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that a clouded leopard does not classify as a dangerous captive animal (Sec. 1).

• Defines “direct contact” as physical contact or proximity where physical contact is possible, including an opportunity for photography without a permanent physical barrier designed to prevent physical contact between the public and a dangerous captive animal (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits a keeper of dangerous captive animals from providing or offering to provide to any member of the public, for free or for a cost, direct contact with a dangerous captive animal (Sec. 1).

• Classifies a violation of this act as a Class 3 misdemeanor and will be subject to a fine of no more than $500 (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that this act becomes effective July 1, 2021 (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that prohibits a keeper of dangerous captive animals from providing to any member of the public direct contact with such dangerous captive animal.

Highlights:

• Defines “dangerous captive animal” as any bear, cougar, jaguar, leopard, lion, nonhuman primate, or tiger, or any hybrid of any such animal (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that a clouded leopard does not classify as a dangerous captive animal (Sec. 1).

• Defines “direct contact” as physical contact or proximity where physical contact is possible, including an opportunity for photography without a permanent physical barrier designed to prevent physical contact between the public and a dangerous captive animal (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits a keeper of dangerous captive animals from providing or offering to provide to any member of the public, for free or for a cost, direct contact with a dangerous captive animal (Sec. 1).

• Classifies a violation of this act as a Class 3 misdemeanor and will be subject to a fine of no more than $500 (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that this act becomes effective July 1, 2021 (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text