Existing law establishes certain unlawful acts and penalties related to the taking of certain animals. (Chapter 501 of NRS) Existing law provides that any person who performs a prohibited act relating to wildlife is, except as otherwise provided by specific statute, guilty of a misdemeanor. (NRS 501.385) Section 1 of this bill prohibits a person from organizing, sponsoring, promoting, conducting or participating in any contest, tournament, derby or any other type of competition that includes the taking of a covered animal for prizes or any other form of inducement. Section 1 defines “covered animal” to mean a beaver, bobcat, coyote, fox, mink, muskrat, otter, rabbit, skunk or weasel. Section 2 of this bill provides that a person who violates this prohibition: (1) by organizing, sponsoring or conducting a prohibited contest, tournament, derby or any other type of competition, is liable for a civil penalty of not less than $5,000 nor more than $30,000; and (2) by participating in a prohibited contest, tournament, derby or any other type of competition, is liable for a civil penalty of not less than $50 nor more than $1,000. Section 3 of this bill makes a conforming change to provide that fur-bearing mammals injuring property may not be taken by means of such a competition that includes the taking of a covered animal for prizes or any other form of inducement.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 501.3855, 503.470
BDR: 501.3855, 503.470