A bill introduced in March would regulate the ownership and possession of “dangerous wild animals,” including water monitors, venomous snakes and certain constrictors such as pythons and anacondas.

Senate Bill 511 would prohibit a person from owning or possessing a dangerous wild animal and from breeding or transporting such animals into the state. The law would exempt accredited zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, circuses, fairs, animal shelters and certain other entities.

A person in possession of a wild animal on the effective date of the bill would be allowed to keep the animal subject to the following conditions:

•  Must be 18 years of age or older.
•  Must not have been convicted of an offense involving the abuse or neglect of an animal.
•  Must not have had a suspended application for a permit/license or a revoked permit/license to operate a commercial establishment for the care, breeding or sale of animals.
•  Must not have been convicted of a felony for an offense committed within the last 10 years.
•  Must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony for an offense committed within the last 10 years involving a controlled substance.

The law also provides that the possessor of the animal must register it, for a fee, with the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship no later than Dec. 31, 2007. Owners also must maintain liability insurance on the animal and are strictly liable for damages or injuries resulting from the actions of their animal.

If passed, the legislation would allow the Agriculture Department to seize and dispose of animals kept in violation of the bill’s provision. Violators are subject to civil penalties of no more than $2,000 for each offense.