A bill proposing to ease restrictions on keeping exotic animals as pets faced a resounding defeat in New Hampshire, as lawmakers moved to reject the proposal unanimously.
House Bill 1325 aimed to overhaul existing regulations, allowing residents to domesticate creatures such as kangaroos, raccoons, and monkeys without the need for a permit from the Fish & Game Department.
Lawmakers, Advocates Sound Alarm on Dangers of Exotic Pets
A Korean tourist pets "Baby Boomer", an eleven month old Eastern Grey Kangaroo, at the Comet Inn April 1, 2005 in Hartley Vale, Australia.
The bill encountered robust opposition during a recent session of the House committee, where concerns were raised about the suitability and safety of owning these animals for domestic life. State Rep. Peter Bixby emphasized the inherent wildness of such species.
"These animals really are not appropriate for home pet ownership." Bixby said. "They are essentially wild animals, and they don't have the domestication bred into them that is necessary to make them viable as pets."
His sentiment resonated throughout the deliberation, with lawmakers expressing apprehension about the potential dangers posed by these animals, particularly kangaroos.
Kurt Ehrenberg of the Humane Society echoed these concerns, labeling the idea of exotic animals as household pets as "crazy." He emphasized the considerable risks associated with such ownership, particularly regarding the safety of children.
Public feedback further reinforced these apprehensions, with constituents sharing firsthand experiences that highlighted the unsuitability of exotic animals for residential settings.
Representative Judy Aron likened short-tailed monkeys to "perpetually vicious and angry 2-year-olds," highlighting the challenges posed by their unpredictable behavior.
This unanimous rejection of House Bill 1325 reflects a broader consensus on the need for stringent regulations concerning exotic pet ownership. The decision underscores a growing recognition of the importance of prioritizing animal welfare and public safety.
As New Hampshire navigates future legislative endeavors, this pivotal moment may serve as a benchmark for other states grappling with similar challenges.
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Another Bill Proposed to Allow Kangaroo Farming
Representative Tom Mannion proposed the legislative service request last October, seeking to legalize kangaroo ownership in the state. Other than kangaroos, the proposal also sought to permit individuals to possess small-tailed monkeys, foxes, otters, and raccoons as pets.
While acknowledging that thirteen other states, including Maine, have already legalized kangaroo ownership, Mannion's proposal generated mixed reactions.
The move was spurred by a constituent's outreach via social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Mannion advocated for "no permit required" kangaroo ownership, attributing his initiative to "liberty-via-Twitter activism."
Meanwhile, Rep. Michael Granger introduced a bill advocating for kangaroo farming, a proposition endorsed by the New Hampshire group 'Free State Food Network.' This would allow the consumption and sale of kangaroos' meat.
The group hailed kangaroo farming as a promising avenue for economic growth and sustainable food production, citing its potential benefits for local farms and communities.
"The future for kangaroo ownership and farming in New Hampshire is brimming with promise, offering a unique path to economic growth, local food production, and a vibrant, sustainable future for the Granite State," the 'Free State Food Network' said.
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