Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has signed legislation prohibiting the
sale and ownership of wild and dangerous animals like bears, large cats,
constricting snakes and alligators.
The Wild Dangerous Animal Act allows the commission of
Agriculture to establish permits and fees to register wild animals currently
living in captivity. It also exempts zoos and veterinary hospitals.
The legislation also creates a Dangerous Wild Animal Board,
whose members will determine which animals to include under the law.
Tomblin's office says the bill was signed on Friday.
The Humane Society of the United States
The groups say, with Tomblin's signature, there are only five
states with little-to-no restrictions on the private possession of dangerous
wild animals.
