Bill > HB854

This bill provides an exemption to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Program rules, allowing individuals to possess certain species of sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife (squirrel, opossum, rabbit, chipmunk, and, with notification, raccoon or skunk) for up to 90 days without a permit. To continue possessing the wildlife beyond 90 days, the individual must complete wildlife rescuer training, obtain a Special Purpose and Possession permit, and have a veterinarian determine the animal is non-releasable or adjusted to captivity. The bill also establishes strict liability for any damages caused by the possessed animals and limits veterinarian liability in certain cases. The bill prohibits using the wildlife for exploitation or commercial purposes, and the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is required to adopt rules to implement the provisions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=24rs&b=HB854&sbi=y