Bill Explanation

Bill Explanation

This bill, called the Big Cat Public Safety Act, aims to amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981. The purpose of this amendment is to clarify provisions enacted by the Captive Wildlife Safety Act, to further the conservation of certain wildlife species, and to achieve other objectives.

The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 30, 2017, by Mr. Enham. It has been referred to the Committee on Natural Resources for further consideration.

Definitions

The bill includes several definitions to clarify its scope and intent. For example, the term "breed" is defined as facilitating propagation or reproduction, intentionally or negligently, or failing to prevent propagation or reproduction.

Prohibitions

The bill introduces prohibitions on the import, export, transport, sale, acquisition, and possession of prohibited wildlife species. It also prohibits breeding of such species, unless conducted according to specific requirements outlined in the bill.

However, some exceptions apply to this prohibition. For example, entities exhibiting animals to the public under a Class C license from the Department of Agriculture and holding the license in good standing are not subject to these prohibitions, provided they meet certain conditions.

Penalties

The bill establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations. Civil penalties are expanded to include subsection (e) of section 3, and criminal penalties apply to knowing violations of subsection (e) of section 3. These penalties may involve fines and imprisonment.

Forfeiture of Prohibited Wildlife Species

The bill includes provisions for the forfeiture of prohibited wildlife species. This applies to species that have been bred, possessed, imported, exported, transported, sold, or acquired in violation of the bill.

Administration

The bill grants the Secretary, in consultation with other relevant federal and state agencies, the authority to promulgate regulations necessary to implement section 3(e) of the bill.

Rep. Bill Johnson

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