LARGE CARNIVORE BREEDING LICENSE; MODIFY        H.B. 5092:

        SUMMARY OF BILL

        REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

House Bill 5092 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor: Representative Matthew Bierlein

House Committee: Regulatory Reform

Senate Committee: Regulatory Affairs

 

 

CONTENT

 

The bill would modify large carnivore breeding license requirements set forth in the Large Carnivore Act.

 

"Large carnivore" means any of the following, regardless of whether the animal is wild or captive bred: 1) a lion, leopard, jaguar, tiger, cougar, panther, or cheetah; 2) a hybrid cross with any of the animals listed above; 3) a bear of a species native or nonnative to the State.

 

Among other requirements, an applicant for a large carnivore breeding license must hold and meet or exceed the standards required of a Federal class C license. Generally, businesses that buy or sell warm-blooded animals, exhibit them to the public, transport them commercially, or use them in experiments or teaching must be licensed or registered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Federal law provides for three types of animal licenses: class A (for animal breeders); class B (for animal dealers); and class C (for animal exhibitors).

 

Under the Act, if the USDA has, within the last five years, confiscated an animal of, or issued a direct or critical noncompliance or a civil penalty to, including a cease-and-desist order, a monetary penalty, or a license suspension or revocation against, a class C licensee, that class C licensee does not meet the Act’s requirements. The bill would delete this provision. Instead, it would specify that an applicant would have to maintain the applicant’s class C license in good standing for the previous five years to apply for a large carnivore breeding license. "Good standing" would mean a person has not had a Federal or State license suspended or revoked or has not been made subject to a cease-and-desist order.

 

MCL 287.1122a

 

BRIEF RATIONALE

 

According to testimony, the Large Carnivore Act does not conform with Federal practices and standards, creating uncertainty for zoos maintaining and breeding large carnivores in the State. Currently, a zoo may be denied a permit to breed large carnivores from the State if that zoo has received a Federal citation for something unrelated to the breeding program. Some have concern that this jeopardizes years of animal management and could have a negative impact on animal populations in the State. Accordingly, modifying standards for a licensee to remain in good standing with the Act has been suggested.

 

        Legislative Analyst: Nathan Leaman

 

FISCAL IMPACT

 

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

 

Date Completed: 11-12-25        Fiscal Analyst: Bruce R. Baker

floor\hb5092                Bill Analysis @ www.senate.michigan.gov/sfa

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.