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2020 SESSION

20105242D
SENATE BILL NO. 1030
Senate Amendments in [ ] – February 7, 2020
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 65 of Title 3.2 an article numbered 14, consisting of sections numbered 3.2-6594, 3.2-6595, and 3.2-6596, relating to dangerous captive animal exhibits; penalty.
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Patrons Prior to Engrossment--Senators Spruill and Ebbin
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Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 65 of Title 3.2 an article numbered 14, consisting of sections numbered 3.2-6594, 3.2-6595, and 3.2-6596, as follows:

Article 14.
Dangerous Captive Animal Exhibits.

§ 3.2-6594. Definitions.

As used in this article,

"Dangerous captive animal" means any bear, cougar, [ elephant, ] jaguar, leopard, lion, nonhuman primate, or tiger, or any hybrid of any such animal. "Dangerous captive animal" does not include a clouded leopard.

"Direct contact" means physical contact or proximity where physical contact is possible, including an opportunity for photography without a permanent physical barrier designed to prevent physical contact between the public and a dangerous captive animal.

"Keeper" means any person, as defined in § 1-230, who owns, has custody of, or is in control of a dangerous captive animal.

§ 3.2-6595. Direct contact with dangerous captive animals prohibited.

It is unlawful for any keeper to provide or offer to provide to any individual, for free or for a cost, direct contact with a dangerous captive animal.

§ 3.2-6596. Violation; penalty.

Any person who violates any provision of this article is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and is subject to a fine of not more than $500.

[ 2. That the provisions of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2021. ]