If enacted, the bill would have significant implications for state wildlife laws, imposing stricter controls over the possession of potentially dangerous and non-native animals. Key regulations include the requirement for owners to register animals with local animal control authorities, pay associated fees, and comply with safety and welfare standards established under federal law. The burden of these regulations is intended to mitigate risks to public safety and promote responsible ownership, ensuring that exotic animals are kept in humane and safe conditions.
House Bill 4461 aims to amend Chapter 2 of Title 47 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, concerning the possession of large wild cats, non-native bears, and great apes, to include provisions regarding primates. The bill seeks to limit the possession and acquisition of coverage animals that fall under these categories, thereby enhancing the regulatory framework around exotic wildlife in the state. The goal of the legislation is to safeguard public safety while managing the welfare of these exotic animals within the state’s jurisdiction.
There are likely points of contention regarding the bill's impact on individuals currently possessing such animals. While the bill allows individuals who owned these animals prior to certain dates to keep them under specific conditions, it also prohibits acquiring new animals after the stipulated date, which may be seen as a restriction on personal freedoms by some stakeholders. Additionally, there may be varying opinions on the enforcement mechanisms and penalties prescribed for violations, including fines and potential imprisonment for non-compliance.