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House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	January 27, 2015 02:50 PM
From:	Representative Harry Readshaw
To:	All House members
Subject:	Co-sponsorship: Amends title 34 (Game) banning personal ownership of exotic animals as pets in PA (HB575)

In the near future, I plan to re-introduce former Representative Gary Haluska’s bill (HB575) that amends Title 34 (Game) to ban the personal ownership of exotic animals as pets in Pennsylvania. Under current law, a permit from the Pennsylvania Game Commission is required to own these wild animals. There are 36 individuals who hold this permit. The bill would end that permitting process on January 1, 2017; however, the legislation would allow those who have been awarded a permit before that date to keep the animal. After January 1, 2017, no new permits would be given by the Commission. Some of the animals included in the proposed ban are bears, lions, tigers, leopards, wolves and primates. Too often we learn of terrible animal attacks involving caged wild animals. This legislation will specify that ownership of certain wild animals for private entertainment will be considered mistreatment of that wildlife, and, thereby, protecting the safety of Pennsylvania’s as well as these animals. The bill also specifies several species that will be lawful to possess. Within that list are sugar gliders and hedgehogs, two popular animals of certain pet enthusiasts. If you have any questions, or need any additional information, please contact Margaret Tricarico at 717-772-5568, Democratic Extension 6168 or mtricarico@pahouse.net. Thank you! Previous co-sponsors (HB575): HALUSKA , KORTZ , D. COSTA, COHEN , CARROLL , O'NEILL , CALTAGIRONE , MAHONEY , MULLERY, W. KELLER , V. BROWN, DeLUCA , HESS , MURT and FABRIZIO

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