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2015 SESSION
SB 1315 Nonhuman primates; acquisition prohibited, penalties.
Introduced by: Lynwood W. Lewis, Jr. | all patrons ... notes | add to my profiles | history
SUMMARY AS PASSED SENATE:
Nonhuman primates; penalties. Prohibits the acquisition of nonhuman primates and controls the ownership of such primates already in the Commonwealth. The bill prohibits the possession, sale, transfer, or breeding of a primate, defined as any species of the taxonomic order Primates except humans. The bill excepts from the prohibition certain institutions, such as zoos, qualified transporters passing through the Commonwealth, those in possession of a state or federal exhibitor's license, and those in lawful possession of a primate prior to July 1, 2015, as long as they meet certain conditions. The bill authorizes the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries to adopt regulations to carry out the law. Finally, the bill provides a procedure for the seizure of a primate in certain circumstances; the bill provides that a violation of any of its provisions is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:
Nonhuman primates; penalties. Prohibits the acquisition of nonhuman primates and controls the ownership of such primates already in the Commonwealth. The bill prohibits the possession, sale, transfer, or breeding of a primate, defined as any species of the taxonomic order Primates except humans. The bill excepts from the prohibition certain institutions, such as accredited zoos; qualified transporters passing through the Commonwealth; and those in lawful possession of a primate prior to July 1, 2015, as long as they meet certain conditions. The bill authorizes the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries to adopt regulations to carry out the law. Finally, the bill provides a procedure for the seizure of a primate in certain circumstances; provides a private right of action for any resident of a locality where a primate is kept; and authorizes localities to adopt ordinances that are more stringent than the restrictions contained in the bill. The bill provides that a violation of any of its provisions is a Class 1 misdemeanor and that an owner whose reckless control of a primate is the cause of a serious attack on a person also is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.