House bill would ban 'dangerous' animals
State House members have passed a bill that would ban the breeding, possession or sale of dangerous exotic animals. A last-minute change would exempt small monkeys.
Posted — Updated
The definition of "dangerous wild animal" would include large cats such as lions as well as hyenas, bears and wolves. Several categories of primates would also be included.
North Carolina is one of only six states that does not either ban or regulate the possession of such animals, according to Rep. Chuck McGrady, R-Henderson.
The measure provides exceptions for animal sanctuaries and grandfathers in exotic animals that people may already own.
"There's no expectation there will be any animals put down," McGrady said.
Lawmakers did make one significant last-minute change.
"We have had many calls about the small monkeys and really need to do something about it," Rep. Pat Hurley, R-Randolph, said.
Hurley put forward an amendment that carved out "all species of marmosets, capuchin monkeys, lemurs, and loris," which was added to the bill.
The measure now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Related Topics
• Credits
Copyright 2023 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
