Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB5940

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012 concerning dangerous animals. Adds a definition of "animal refuge" to the statute on dangerous animals. Provides that it is unlawful for any person to allow a member of the public to come into direct contact with a dangerous animal. Provides that the prohibition on possessing dangerous animals does not apply to a properly maintained zoological park accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), circus, college or university, scientific institution, research laboratory, veterinary hospital, hound running area, or animal refuge, if the dangerous animal or primate is kept in an escape-proof enclosure. Provides that the prohibition on possessing dangerous animals does not prohibit a person who possesses a Class C exhibitor license from the U.S. Department of Agriculture from possessing a dangerous animal or primate; however, after June 1, 2014 the person may not breed or otherwise acquire a dangerous animal other than an ocelot, margay, lynx, bobcat, jaguarundi, hyena, wolf or coyote, or any poisonous or life-threatening reptile. Effective immediately.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012 concerning dangerous animals. Reinserts the provisions of the bill, except: (1) deletes provision that it is unlawful for any person to allow a member of the public to come into direct contact with a dangerous animal; (2) provides an exemption from the prohibitions of the dangerous animals provisions of the Code for a motion picture or television production company which employs or contracts with a dealer or exhibitor licensed under the federal Animal Welfare Act or with a carrier, intermediate handler, or unlicensed exhibitor registered under that Act to transport, purchase, exhibit, or use dangerous animals in its motion picture or television production; (3) provides an exemption from the prohibitions of the dangerous animals provisions of the Code for a properly maintained zoological park operated by a municipality, county, forest preserve district, or this State; and (4) deletes provision that the dangerous animal or primate must be kept in an escape-proof enclosure. Effective immediately.

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