Protecting Local Zoos Act of 2026
Summary
The "Protecting Local Zoos Act of 2026" amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981, focusing on captive wildlife offenses. It aims to adjust regulations concerning the possession, registration, and trade of prohibited wildlife species by entities like zoos and licensed animal exhibitors. The bill introduces exceptions and clarifications regarding the import and export of these species to and from foreign entities.
Expected Effects
The act will likely change how zoos and similar entities manage certain wildlife species. It introduces a registration process with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for prohibited species and sets conditions on breeding, public contact, and exhibition. The amendments also exclude snow leopards and clouded leopards from the definition of 'prohibited wildlife species'.
Potential Benefits
- Provides clearer guidelines for zoos and animal exhibitors regarding prohibited wildlife species.
- Allows for the export and import of prohibited wildlife species to and from foreign entities under certain conditions.
- Offers a process for entities to cancel their registration if they meet specific exception criteria.
- Excludes snow leopards and clouded leopards from the 'prohibited wildlife species' definition, potentially easing restrictions on these animals.
- May reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens on zoos that can demonstrate compliance with existing standards.
Potential Disadvantages
- The registration process could create additional administrative burdens for zoos and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Restrictions on breeding, public contact, and exhibition might limit the educational and conservation activities of some zoos.
- The definition of "prohibited wildlife species" is not explicitly defined in the bill, potentially leading to confusion or inconsistent enforcement.
- The act may not address all potential risks associated with captive wildlife, such as animal welfare concerns or the spread of zoonotic diseases.
- The changes could potentially weaken the Lacey Act's broader goals of preventing the spread of invasive species and protecting wildlife.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with Congress's power to regulate interstate and foreign commerce, as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. The Lacey Act, in general, has been upheld as a valid exercise of this power. However, the specific amendments in this bill do not directly implicate any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).