SB 314

Under existing law, certain wildlife may be held in captivity for public exhibition purposes, subject to rules adopted by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. However, a publicly owned zoo or wildlife exhibit or a privately owned traveling zoo, circus, or pet shop is not subject to this law or associated rules adopted by the department

This bill would expressly prohibit a municipal, county, state, or other publicly owned zoo or wildlife exhibit or a privately owned traveling zoo, circus, or pet shop from importing or causing to be imported any species of the family Cervidae into the state

To amend Section 9-11-328, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the possession of wildlife in captivity for public exhibition purposes; to prohibit a municipal, county, state, or other publicly owned zoo or wildlife exhibit or a privately owned traveling zoo, circus, or pet shop from the importation of any species of the family Cervidae into the state.

Section 1

Section 9-11-328, Code of Alabama 1975, is amended to read as follows:

§9-11-328.

(a) The provisions of the Except as provided in subsection (b), this article shall not apply to any a municipal, county, state, or other publicly owned zoo or wildlife exhibit, or a privately owned traveling zoo, or circus, or pet shop.

(b) A municipal, county, state, or other publicly owned zoo or wildlife exhibit, or a privately owned traveling zoo, circus, or pet shop shall not import or cause to be imported into the state any species of the family Cervidae."

Section 2

This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.