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 Engrossed 2024 Regular Session Ventrella
Present law (LAC 76:V.131) provides for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Program permitting and
operations. Present law (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 department approved courses be readily available
online, with completion subject to an interactive test. Proposed law provides that any wildlife
rehabilitation course developed or administered by LDWF shall be subject to a fee of fifty dollars.
Present law (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 must have a suitable housing for the animal
and must report the habitat specifications to the department, and that permitted facilities may be
subject to inspection by the LDWF upon sufficient notice to the WRP applicant.
Proposed law provides that individuals may possess in captivity any sick, injured, or orphaned
wildlife if they have satisfied the course requirements of present law and a licensed veterinarian has
determined that the animal is medically non-releasable or exhibits signs of adjusted life in captivity
and poses minimum zoonotic potential. Specifies that wildlife included under this exemption will
be limited to the following species: (1) squirrel, (2) skunk, (3) opossum, (4) raccoon, (5) rabbit, or
(6) chipmunk, with such possession limited to one animal per individual. Proposed law provides
that individuals in possession of one of these animals will be held strictly liable for any damages for
injuries to persons or property caused by the animal.
(Amends LAC 76:V.131(E)(4) and (6); Adds LAC 76:V.131(D)(3))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Natural Resources and
Environment to the original bill:
1. Establish an exemption to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Program Permit, in which an
individual may possess in captivity sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife if they have
satisfied the course requirements of the program and have a licensed veterinarian certify
that the animal is medically non-releasable. Further specifies that these animals are
limited to squirrel, skunk, opossum, raccoon, rabbit, or chipmunk, with possession
limited to one animal per individual. Individuals will also be strictly liable for any
damages to persons or property caused by the animal. 2. Require at least one department approved course readily available online, which may
require completion of an interactive test. Further require the department post approved
courses on its website by January 1, 2025. Additionally provide that any wildlife
rehabilitation courses developed or administered by the LDWF are subject to a fee of
$50.
3. Restore provisions related to submission of a Statement of Veterinary Support.
4. Provide that permitted facilities may be subject to inspection by the LDWF upon
sufficient notice to the WRP applicant.
5. Restore provisions related to submission of a written request for extension of possession
of an animal after 120 days.
6. Make technical changes.