Ward (SB 250) Act No. 697
Prior law provided 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.
New law provides that previous ownership will include persons who obtained their animal
by lawful means and continuously possessed their animal since August 15, 2006.
New law provides for retroactive application.
Effective August 1, 2014.
(Amends R.S. 56:6(31))