HLS 12RS-632 ENGROSSED
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 6
BY REPRESENTATIVE STUART BISHOP
WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Specifies accreditation requirements for exemption from
Wildlife and Fisheries Commission rules governing possession of exotic cats
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To amend the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries rule (LAC 76:V.115(E)(1)), which2
provides exemptions from the department's rules governing private possession of3
potentially dangerous quadrupeds, exotic cats, and nonhuman primates, to include4
in those exemptions the Zoo of Acadiana so long as it meets the American Zoo and5
Aquarium Association standards for enclosures and to direct the office of the state6
register to print the amendments in the Louisiana Administrative Code.7
WHEREAS, Act Number 715 of the 2006 Regular Session of the Legislature8
enacted R.S. 56:6(31) which requires the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to ". . .9
promulgate rules and regulations to control the importation and private possession of big10
exotic cats . . ."; and11
WHEREAS, R.S. 56:6(31) also provides for " . . . exceptions for big cats traditionally12
kept by colleges and universities as school mascots, animal sanctuaries, zoos, wildlife13
research centers, and scientific organizations." ; and14
WHEREAS, the rules adopted by the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission provide15
exemptions for those " . . . zoos accredited or certified by the American Zoo and Aquarium16
Association."; and17
WHEREAS, accreditation and exacting standards are important to ensure the well-18
being and safety of the animals held in captivity and the safety of the people who are caring19
for and viewing the animals.20 HLS 12RS-632 ENGROSSED
HCR NO. 6
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Legislature of Louisiana that LAC1
76:V.115(E)(1) is hereby amended to read as follows:2
ยง115. Possession of Potentially Dangerous Wild Quadrupeds, Big Exotic Cats, and3
Non-Human Primates4
* * *5
E. Exempted Entities. The following organizations and entities shall be6
exempt from this regulation, including permitting:7
1. zoos accredited or certified by the American Zoo and Aquarium8
Association (AZA) and the Zoo of Acadiana so long as it meets the American Zoo9
and Aquarium Association standards for enclosures;10
* * *11
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the12
office of the state register and the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.13
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the office of the state register is hereby directed14
to have the amendments to LAC 76:V.115(E)(1) printed and incorporated into the Louisiana15
Administrative Code.16
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Stuart Bishop HCR No. 6
Current regulation requires the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to regulate the possession
of big exotic cats. Current regulations exempt from the regulations zoos accredited by the
American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA).
Proposed regulation also exempts the Zoo of Acadiana from the need for a zoo permit so
long as they adhere to the AZA enclosure standards.
(Amends LAC 76:V.115(E)(1))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Natural Resources and
Environment to the original bill.
1. Changed the additional exemption from certification by the Zoological
Association of America to the Zoo of Acadiana so long as they met the AZA
enclosure standards and remove the same exemption from the sanctuary permits.