01/07/2023
https://www.facebook.com/397170450364914/posts/5755095454572360/?mibextid=Nif5oz
SB5148 and HB1157 have been pre-filed in Washington state. These bills ban programs with thousands of species including ALL "snakes and reptiles," ferrets, sugar gliders, and more. When two bills have the same text they are called companion bills (one Senate bill and one House bill).
The bills prohibit any exhibitions of animals that provide entertainment, which means even outreach and educational programs will be banned. For example, people are amazed (entertained) when they see a chameleon eat. While exhibiting natural behavior is educational, it also entertains so programs with chameleons are banned. The very notion of seeing animals in person is entertainment. Unsuspecting Washingtonians do not know this is a ban on educational programs in classrooms, public libraries, at Scout Troop meetings, and anywhere else for that matter because the stated intent is misleading.
While the bills state there is an exemption for "educational purposes," we know that animal education is entertaining so there is not actually any exemption for these programs. Remember that legislative intent is tossed out of the window after bills pass into law. Enforcement officers decide what qualifies as punishable action for vague and broad laws, not legislators.
The bill title states the intent is "to prohibit the display of wild or exotic animals for public entertainment or amusement" and this prohibition is needed for the "protection" of these animals. The definition of "wild or exotic animal animal" includes even commonly kept animals such as leopard geckos, tortoises, corn snakes, sugar gliders, ferrets, and thousands more. Animal welfare and cruelty laws protecting those animals already exist, they simply need to be enforced. This redundant legislation wastes both time and money that should be focused elsewhere. The bills are disingenuous and misleading and the radical animal rights groups that write them know it. Ultimately, this is more legislation that will remove freedoms from good citizens.
Per the bill: “exotic or wild animal” includes not only the animals listed below, but also all species in those higher groups. For example, ALL mustelids (animals in the family Mustelidae) are included (i.e. ferrets and minks even though not mentioned) and not just the listed skunks, weasels, otters, and badgers.
(i) Nonhuman primates and prosimians, such as chimpanzees and monkeys;
(ii) Felids, except domesticated cats;
(iii) Canids, including wolf hybrids and except domesticated dogs;
(iv) Ursids, inclusive of all species of bears;
(v) Elephants;
(vi) Cetaceans, namely marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins, otters, porpoises, seals, and sea lions;
(vii) Crocodilians, namely alligators and crocodiles;
(viii) Marsupials, such as kangaroos and opossums;
(ix) Snakes and reptiles;
(x) Ungulates, such as hippopotamus, rhinoceros, giraffe, camel, zebra, and deer;
(xi) Hyenas;
(xii) Mustelids, such as skunks, weasels, otters, and badgers;
(xiii) Procyonids, such as raccoons and coatis;
(xiv) Endentates, such as anteaters, sloths, and armadillos;
(xv) Viverrids, such as mongoose, civets, and genets;
(xvi) Camels; and
(xvii) Raptors or birds of prey.
Washington already has an extensive animal cruelty law titled “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals” at RCW 16.52: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=16.52
Washington also bans the private ownership of many of the listed species under its “Dangerous Wild Animals” law at RCW 16.30: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=16-30&full=true
Read SB5148 at https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2023-24/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/5148.pdf?q=20230106064813. SB5148 is sponsored by Senator Liias: https://senatedemocrats.wa.gov/liias/ and Representative Boehnke: https://mattboehnke.houserepublicans.wa.gov/
Read HB1157 at https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2023-24/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1157.pdf?q=20230106064807. HB1157 is sponsored by Representative Leavitt: https://housedemocrats.wa.gov/leavitt/
The Washington legislative session begins on January 9 so you can send messages now but be sure to send them again on or after the 9th.
Sample Messaging
Remember to be civil and professional at all times!
Contact your Washington legislators: Just go to this link and type in your address. You should contact your two Washington state Representatives and your state Senator (not your Congressional legislators that are also listed): https://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/
Email list: We will post an email list when the bills are assigned to committees.
What to do:
1. Call legislators;
2. Email legislators;
3. Fax and mail letters;
4. Attend hearings and voice opposition, if possible;
5. SHARE this and encourage others to complete the Alert!!!
Sample letter
Subject line:
NO to SB5148 and HB1157
Washington legislator,
Please do what is right for the animals and the State’s residents by stopping SB5148 and HB1157. As a dedicated advocate for animal welfare, I ask that this energy be focused on enforcing current animal welfare and cruelty laws rather than this misguided effort that only removes freedoms from good Washington citizens, while also punishing the tens of thousands of residents that enjoy and learn from these animal programs each year. This would be yet another superfluous law that will not accomplish its stated purpose and is nothing more than a solution looking for a problem.
Clearly, the legislation lacks basic research. It is glaring that the author knows very little about animals and it would be unfortunate for Washington lawmakers to be duped into passing a law after being misinformed. While it claims it will not, this bill bans important animal programs including those provided to school classrooms, at public libraries, and before Scout troops. Kids cannot see first-hand how a chameleon eats or how its eyesight works. Scouts cannot interact with snakes. A biology class cannot be given a presentation with a ferret, tortoise, and gecko to see firsthand how different these animals are.
If you are unaware, private ownership of many of the listed species is banned under the Revised Code of Washington, Title 16, Chapter 30 (RCW 16.30). Additionally, our state has an expansive animal cruelty law found in the Revised Code of Washington, Title 16, Chapter 52 (RCW16.52). As you can see, animal protections are already in place and this new legislation is needless and unjustified.
Superfluous and redundant laws are becoming commonplace. Tax dollars and legislative resources are continually being wasted to propose duplicative laws. Even worse, collective punishment is becoming an accepted practice in our government. Instead of focusing on criminals, many new laws choose to punish good citizens.
This bill is far-reaching and rife with unintended consequences, including making criminals out of those dedicated individuals who responsibly conduct outreach programs with animals. Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter. Please realize that this legislation is illogical and unjust. Have a good day.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
