N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law Section 11-0538
Direct contact between public and big cats prohibited

1.

As used in this section:

(a)

“Big cat” shall mean any live species of lion (panthera leo), tiger (panthera tigres), leopard (panthera pardus) (with the exception of clouded leopards (neofelis nebulosa)), jaguar (panthera onca), mountain lion, sometimes called cougar (felis concolar) or any hybrid of such species.

(b)

“Direct contact” means physical contact or proximity where physical contact is possible, including, but not limited to, allowing a photograph to be taken without a permanent physical barrier designed to prevent physical contact between the public and big cats.

(c)

“Dealer” shall mean any person who, in commerce, for compensation or profit, delivers for transportation, or transports, except as a carrier, buys, sells, or negotiates the purchase or sale of any animals.

(d)

“Exhibitor” shall mean any person (public or private) exhibiting any animals, which were purchased in commerce or the intended distribution of which affects commerce, or will affect commerce, to the public for compensation, as determined by the commissioner, and such term includes carnivals, circuses, and zoos exhibiting such animals whether operated for profit or not.

2.

It shall be unlawful for any person licensed or required to be licensed as an exhibitor or dealer pursuant to the Animal Welfare Act, 7 USC 2132-2134, including agents or employees of such person, to knowingly allow the public to have direct contact with a big cat.

3.

Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to a penalty of not more than five hundred dollars for the first offense and not more than one thousand dollars for a second and subsequent offenses. Each instance of allowing direct contact of a big cat with the public in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense.

4.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or restrict veterinary examination, treatment or care of a big cat or transportation of the animal for such purpose.

Source: Section 11-0538 — Direct contact between public and big cats prohibited, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/ENV/11-0538 (updated Feb. 13, 2015; accessed Apr. 27, 2024).

11‑0501
Fish and wildlife management practices cooperative program 11‑0503
Polluting streams prohibited 11‑0505
Interference with fish and wildlife 11‑0507
Liberation of fish, shellfish and wildlife 11‑0509
Water chestnut 11‑0511
Possession and transportation of wildlife 11‑0512
Possession, sale, barter, transfer, exchange and import of wild animals as pets prohibited 11‑0513
Pigeons 11‑0514
Eurasian boars prohibited 11‑0515
Licenses to collect, possess or sell for propagation, scientific or exhibition purposes 11‑0517
Taking for propagation and stocking 11‑0519
Disposition of fish, wildlife, game, shellfish, crustacea or protected insects seized by or surrendered to enforcement officers 11‑0521
Destructive wildlife 11‑0522
Urban deer management pilot program 11‑0522‑A
Long Island deer management pilot program 11‑0523
Destructive or menacing wildlife 11‑0524
Nuisance wildlife control operators 11‑0525
Control of rabies in wildlife 11‑0527
State aid to counties participating in control of rabies in wildlife 11‑0529
Cats hunting birds 11‑0531
Bounties prohibited 11‑0533
Licensing of guides 11‑0535
Endangered and threatened species, species of special concern 11‑0535‑A
Illegal ivory articles and rhinoceros horns 11‑0535‑B
Vulnerable species 11‑0535‑C
Endangered and threatened species mitigation bank fund 11‑0536
Sale of certain wild animals or wild animal products prohibited 11‑0537
Bald and golden eagles 11‑0538
Direct contact between public and big cats prohibited 11‑0539
New York natural heritage program 11‑0540
Prohibition on permits authorizing the use of elephants in entertainment acts
Green check means up to date. Up to date

Accessed:
Apr. 27, 2024

Last modified:
Feb. 13, 2015

§ 11-0538’s source at nysenate​.gov

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