SLS 14RS-576 ORIGINAL
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
Regular Session, 2014
SENATE BILL NO. 250
BY SENATOR WARD
ANIMALS. Exempts certain persons from the requirements of the big exotic cats rules.
(8/1/14)
AN ACT1
To amend and reenact R.S. 56:6(31), to provide for the promulgation of rules and2
regulations by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission relative to the3
possession of big exotic cats; to allow for permits for certain institutions and owners;4
to exempt certain persons from the requirements of the big exotic cats rules; to5
provide terms, conditions, and requirements; and to provide for related matters.6
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:7
Section 1. R.S. 56:6(31) is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:8
ยง6. Special powers and duties; statistics; rules and regulations; reports9
The commission, through its secretary:10
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(31) Shall promulgate rules and regulations to control the importation and12
private possession of big exotic cats including but not limited to tigers, lions,13
leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, and hybrids resulting from cross-breeding of such cats.14
The rules shall provide exceptions for big cats traditionally kept by colleges and15
universities as school mascots, animal sanctuaries, zoos, wildlife research centers,16
and scientific organizations, and any person licensed by the United States17 SB NO. 250
SLS 14RS-576 ORIGINAL
Page 2 of 2
Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
Department of Agriculture as a class C exhibitor under the Animal Welfare Act.1
Such rules shall address Internet purchase of such animals. Such rules shall also2
provide for permits for certain institutions and for owners who can prove previous3
ownership. Previous owners shall include persons who obtained their animal by4
lawful means prior to August 1, 2006. Violation of rules and regulations adopted5
pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph constitutes a class two violation6
punishable as provided in R.S. 56:32.7
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Section 2. The provisions of this Act shall be given retroactive application.9
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by McHenry Lee.
DIGEST
Ward (SB 250)
Present law provides that the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission through its secretary may
promulgate rules and regulations to control the importation and private possession of big
exotic cats. Requires that the rules provide exceptions for big cats traditionally kept by
colleges and universities, animal sanctuaries, zoos, wildlife research centers, and scientific
organizations and for owners who can prove previous ownership.
Proposed law adds an additional exception for owners who hold a USDA class C exhibitor's
license.
Proposed law provides that a previous owner will include persons who obtained their animal
by lawful means prior to August 1, 2006.
Proposed law provides for retroactive application.
Effective August 1, 2014.
(Amends R.S. 56:6(31))