PRINTER'S NO. 1635
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 1451
Session of
2023
INTRODUCED BY HOHENSTEIN, JUNE 20, 2023
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON GAME AND FISHERIES, JUNE 20, 2023
AN ACT
1 Amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
2 Statutes, in special licenses and permits, further providing
3 for definitions, for exotic wildlife possession permits, for
4 menagerie permits and for exclusions.
5 The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
6 hereby enacts as follows:
7 Section 1. Section 2961 of Title 34 of the Pennsylvania
8 Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding definitions to read:
9 § 2961. Definitions.
10 The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter
11 shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
12 context clearly indicates otherwise:
13 "Direct contact." Physical contact or proximity where
14 physical contact is possible, including proximity without a
15 permanent physical barrier or a barrier with sufficient vertical
16 height designed to prevent physical contact between the public
17 and wildlife or exotic wildlife.
18 * * *
19 "Ruminants." As follows:
1 (1) Even-toed ungulated mammals that chew the cud
2 regurgitated from their rumen.
3 (2) The term includes cattle, sheep, antelopes and deer
4 and their relations.
5 (3) The term does not include giraffes.
6 Section 2. Sections 2963(c) and 2964(c) of Title 34 are
7 amended by adding paragraphs to read:
8 § 2963. Exotic wildlife possession permits.
9 * * *
10 (c) Unlawful acts.--It is unlawful for any person to:
11 * * *
12 (5) Permit the public to feed or have direct contact
13 with exotic wildlife or wildlife, except ruminants, but the
14 exclusions under section 2965(a) (relating to exclusions)
15 shall apply.
16 * * *
17 § 2964. Menagerie permits.
18 * * *
19 (c) Unlawful acts.--It is unlawful to:
20 * * *
21 (5) Permit the public to feed or have direct contact
22 with exotic wildlife or wildlife, except ruminants, but the
23 exclusions under section 2965(a) (relating to exclusions
24 shall apply).
25 * * *
26 Section 3. Section 2965(a) introductory paragraph of Title
27 34 is amended to read:
28 § 2965. Exclusions.
29 (a) General rule.--The provisions of sections 2930 (relating
30 to propagating permits), 2962(a) (relating to exotic wildlife
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1 dealer permits), 2963(a) and (c)(5) (relating to exotic wildlife
2 possession permits) and 2964(a) and (c)(5) (relating to
3 menagerie permits) shall not apply to any:
4 * * *
5 Section 4. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1635: 34-2961