Restricting Public Contact with Wild Animals (Pennsylvania)
H.B. 1451
This bill would restrict the public from feeding or having direct physical contact with wildlife without a separating barrier.
Status
The Animal Legal Defense Fund Supports this bill.
Sponsors: Rep. Joseph Hohenstein (D-177)
Introduction Date: June 20, 2023
H.B. 1451 was filed to restrict the public from feeding or having direct physical contact with wildlife without a separating barrier.
Why is this law important? H.B. 1451 remediates a harmful regulatory change by the Pennsylvania Game Commission – after 35 years of prohibition – which permits wild animal exhibitors (including roadside zoos and fairs) to sell public contact experiences with most wildlife (including kangaroos, wallabies, kinkajous, sloths, otters, coatimundis, capybara, foxes, rhinos, and hippos). Previously, Pennsylvania had one of the strongest laws limiting public contact with wildlife. The Commission’s rule change puts people and animals at risk.
For more information about animal protection legislation in Pennsylvania and opportunities to take action for animals, visit aldf.org/pennsylvania.
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