California
CA AB 554
Would grant new legal powers to Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Under the bill SPCAs would be granted a private right of action to bring lawsuits to obtain an injunction “to prevent the violation of any law relating to or affecting animals. Committee voted in favor of bill on April 24, 2023 and is pending Floor action in the Assembly. ZAA has signed onto a letter of opposition with other industry groups. Ordered to inactive file at the request of Sponsor on May 25, 2023. This means the bill will not move forward this year but can be taken up again next year.
Makes changes to existing law governing certain Fish and Game Commission permits for the entry, importation, possession, transportation, keeping, confinement, or release of wild animals. This bill would require that the permits be renewed at least every 5 years and that permit applicants show proof of current liability insurance and a surety bond. Amended to remove most of the original language. Now relates to conservation of the Western Joshua Tree. Scheduled for Senate Committee hearing on July 10, 2023.
Massachusetts
MA SB 2197 (Sponsor Bruce Tarr)
MA SB 2189
Prohibit the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows. On July 24, 2023, all three bills were the subject of a hearing before the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. ZAA submitted written testimony on the bills and Betsey Brewer of Southwick's Zoo testified in person.
MA HB 3785 (was HD 2321)
Establishes a Habitat Conservation Plan for Piping Plover within the State Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
MA HB 1718
MA SB 1142
Relate to the humane protection of animals. Would establish a task force established to complete a systematic review of the laws pertaining to animal cruelty and protection including any legislative recommendation. The task force would include representatives from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Animal Rescue League of Boston, the Massachusetts Bar Association; and at least one veterinarian and one animal control officer. No zoological or agricultural members. Heard in Committee on April 4, 2023.
New Jersey
NJ AB 2354
NJ SB 981
Establishes procedures for seizure, care, and forfeiture of animals involved in animal cruelty violations. Primarily impacts dogs and other domestic companion animals but some provisions would apply to all animals. SB 981 has passed both houses and been approved by the Governor.
NJ SB 2922
Establishes offense of reckless trespass involving wild animals; establishes penalties; establishes liability for resulting harm to wild animals. Reported from Judiciary Committee and referred to Budget Committee on May 18, 2023.
North Carolina
NC HB 540
Expands upon the offense of animal cruelty to also make it a Class 1 misdemeanor to deprive an animal of adequate shelter or adequate space or to cause any animal to be deprived of the same. Adds and defines the terms adequate shelter, extreme weather, and lawful hunt. Excludes from the offense under the statute the use of a dog in a lawful hunt.
NC SB 719
Concerning cruelty to animals, as follows. Expands upon the offense to also make it a Class 1 misdemeanor to deprive an animal of adequate shelter or adequate space or to cause any animal to be deprived of the same. Adds and defines the terms adequate shelter, adequate space, freedom of movement, extreme weather, and lawful hunt. Adds to the exclusions from the offense under the statute the use of a dog in a lawful hunt. Similar to NC HB 540.
Pennsylvania
PA HB 1451
Would prohibit direct public contact with most species, including Giraffes. Under existing law AZA zoos would be exempt. Reported out favorably by Game and Fisheries Committee on June 28, 2023.
PA SB 785
Would create an Animal Welfare Board to review existing laws and regulations related to the keeping and handling of animals and make recommendations for legislative and regulatory changes.
PA HB 1113
Revises requirements related to the issuance of special licenses and permits for exotic wildlife possession permits and for menagerie permits. Among other things would prohibit permits for traveling exhibitions and private ownership. Could impact educational exhibits.
PA HB 1114
Creates new prohibitions and criminal offenses related to transporting traveling animal acts for purposes of performance.