Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 24, June 15, 2024
(a)General and definitions. This subchapter relates to safeguards for public safety, humane care and treatment, adequate housing and nutrition, sanitation, safety, acquisition and disposal of wildlife and exotic wildlife held as part of a menagerie under the act or this part. Definitions contained in section 2961 of the act (relating to definitions) apply to this subchapter.(b)Confinement. It is unlawful to maintain wildlife, in confinement, in an unsanitary or unsafe condition or in a manner which results in maltreatment, mistreatment or neglect. No wildlife may be confined in a pen, cage or enclosure which does not meet minimum pen specifications in this subchapter. An animal may not be chained or tethered, or otherwise impeded from moving freely within a cage or enclosure unless otherwise indicated on the permit.(c)Housing. Wildlife maintained under section 2964 of the act (relating to menagerie permits) shall be housed in a safe and sanitary manner. Failure to provide sanitary surroundings for wildlife, or failure to adequately protect the public from wildlife possessed under this subchapter is a violation.(d)Bill of sale. It is unlawful for a person to possess wildlife, for the purpose of exhibition, except as provided in this subchapter, without having a bill of sale or other documentary evidence showing the name and address of the supplier of the wildlife.(e)Permit. The menagerie permit shall be produced upon demand of an officer of the Commission.(f)Citizenship. Menagerie permits may be issued to a person who is a citizen of the United States.(g)Experience required. A new applicant for a menagerie permit shall provide documentation of at least 2 years experience of hands-on work with the designated species, including care, feeding, handling, training and husbandry. This experience shall be from a recognized/approved facility and the owner, manager or licensee of this facility shall provide a letter of reference.The provisions of this § 147.281 adopted June 19, 1987, effective 7/1/1987, 17 Pa.B. 2464; amended March 25, 1994, effective 3/26/1994, 24 Pa.B. 1582; amended April 4, 2003, effective 4/5/2003, 33 Pa.B. 1714.The provisions of this § 147.281 amended under the Game and Wildlife Code, 34 Pa.C.S. § 2901(b).