Signed by Governor Eric Holcomb

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits big cat and bear cub owners from allowing public interaction.

Highlights:

• Defines “specified animal” as any of the following live animals (Sec. 4):

• Lions;

• Tigers;

• Leopards;

• Snow leopards;

• Jaguars;

• Mountain lions;

• Any hybrid of the previously listed species; and 

• Bears.

• Defines “direct contact” as physical contact between a specified animal and the public (Sec. 2). 

• Defines “proximity” as the distance created by either a physical barrier, visual barrier, or other means to signify a restricted area to prevent the public from touching any specified animal (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that “trained” means the participation with an animal in specific instruction (Sec. 5). 

• Specifies that these regulations do not apply to physical contact or proximity between a specified animal and, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 1):

• The owner of the facility that shelters the specified animal;

• A trained facility employee who is performing their job duties;

• A contractor, intern, service provider, or other person fulfilling tasks that require the presence of a specified animal when accompanied by the facility owner;

• Licensed veterinarian;

• Veterinary intern or specialist accompanied by a licensed veterinarian;

• Registered veterinary technician that is directly or indirectly supervised; or

• Veterinary student that is under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

• Prohibits a person who owns or possesses a specified animal from allowing any member of the public to come in direct contact with the specified animal or enter into a proximity that would allow or permit direct contact (Sec. 6).

• Classifies any violation of this chapter as a Class B infraction (Sec. 8). 

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits big cat and bear cub owners from allowing public interaction.

Highlights:

• Defines “specified animal” as any of the following live animals (Sec. 4):

• Lions;

• Tigers;

• Leopards;

• Snow leopards;

• Jaguars;

• Mountain lions;

• Any hybrid of the previously listed species; and 

• Bears.

• Defines “direct contact” as physical contact between a specified animal and the public (Sec. 2). 

• Defines “proximity” as the distance created by either a physical barrier, visual barrier, or other means to signify a restricted area to prevent the public from touching any specified animal (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that “trained” means the participation with an animal in specific instruction (Sec. 5). 

• Specifies that these regulations do not apply to physical contact or proximity between a specified animal and, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 1):

• The owner of the facility that shelters the specified animal;

• A trained facility employee who is performing their job duties;

• A contractor, intern, service provider, or other person fulfilling tasks that require the presence of a specified animal when accompanied by the facility owner;

• Licensed veterinarian;

• Veterinary intern or specialist accompanied by a licensed veterinarian;

• Registered veterinary technician that is directly or indirectly supervised; or

• Veterinary student that is under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

• Prohibits a person who owns or possesses a specified animal from allowing any member of the public to come in direct contact with the specified animal or enter into a proximity that would allow or permit direct contact (Sec. 6).

• Classifies any violation of this chapter as a Class B infraction (Sec. 8). 

Full Bill Text