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)]
HCR 6 Original 2024 Regular Session Ventrella
Present LAC 76:V.131 provides for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Program permitting and operations.
Present LAC 76:V.131(E)(4) provides for permit requirements for the Wildlife Rehabilitation
Program, and requires completion of a course certified by the La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries
(LDWF). Proposed law requires that the course be readily available online, with completion subject
to an interactive test, and a $125 fee requirement.
Present LAC 76:V.131(E)(5) requires applicants to have verification of having access to veterinary
services by submitting a Statement of Veterinary Support Form provided by the LDWF. Proposed
law requires an applicant to agree to have access to veterinary services.
Present LAC 76:V.131(E)(6) allows for inspection of an applicant's animal housing facilities by the
LDWF. Proposed law provides that an applicant shall have a suitable housing for the animal and
shall report the habitat specifications to the department.
Present LAC 76:V.131(F)(7)(a) prohibits wildlife permit holders from possessing the following: (1)
non-migratory birds for more than 90 days; (2) other injured wildlife for more than 45 days; and (3)
other orphaned wildlife longer than required for release, not to exceed 120 days. Additionally,
provides for a written request for extension of possession if the animal is currently nonreleasable but
will likely be releasable after the listed time frame, or if a veterinarian determines that the animal
requires additional rehabilitation time. Proposed law removes the provisions of present law relative
to the written request for extension and provides that the hold limitations do not apply if the animal
is otherwise nonreleasable.
(Amends LAC 76:V.131(E)(4), (5), and (6) and (F)(7))