§ 47-2-20 — Application of chapter.

(A) The provisions of this chapter do not apply to: (1) duly incorporated nonprofit animal protection organizations, such as humane societies and shelters, housing a large wild cat, non-native bear or great ape temporarily at the written request of the animal control authority or acting under the authority of this chapter; (2) federal or state wildlife enforcement officers acting under the scope of their authority; (3) animal control or law enforcement agencies or officers acting under the authority of this chapter; (4) veterinary hospitals, clinics, veterinarians, and persons employed at such facilities under the direction of a veterinarian who are actively treating a large wild cat, non-native bear, or great ape in their professional capacity as a veterinarian or employee of such facility; (5) a university, college, laboratory, or other research facility holding a Class R registration under the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. Section 2131, et seq., as amended; (6) any person who possesses a valid United States Department of Agriculture Class A, B, or C license in good standing and is in compliance with the United States Department of Agriculture Animal Welfare Act regulations and standards as of January 1, 2018. This person may keep and acquire new large wild cats, non-native bears, or great apes; (7) any person who obtains a valid United States Department of Agriculture Class A, B, or C license and is in compliance with the United States Department of Agriculture Animal Welfare Act regulations and standards after January 1, 2018, may keep and acquire large wild cats, non-native bears, or great apes after that date, and must comply with the applicable provisions of this chapter; (8) circuses that are incorporated and hold a Class C license under the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. Section 2131, et seq., as amended, that are temporarily in this State, and that offer performances by live animals, clowns, and acrobats for public entertainment; and (9) an intermediate handler, as defined by the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. Section 2136, et seq., acting as a registered agent for a USDA license, pursuant to the Captive Wildlife Safety Act, shall be permitted to transport regulated species through this State, provided the animal is at all times maintained within a confinement sufficient to prevent the animal from escaping.

Legislative History

HISTORY: 2017 Act No. 86 (H.3531), SECTION 1, eff January 1, 2018. Editor's Note 2017 Act No. 86, SECTION 4, provides as follows: "This act takes effect January 1, 2018, and applies to acts committed on or after that date."