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WV Senate Passes Exotic Animal Bill
By: Associated Press
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A bill to ban exotic pets in West Virginia has cleared another hurdle.
The Senate on Friday passed the bill that would mandate owners of exotic animals to obtain a state permit by July and would ban all future purchases or sale of these animals.
Zoos, circuses and sanctuaries would be exempt.
The bill would require the Division of Natural Resources to draft a list of which animals would be banned. Owners could be subject to inspections. The state could confiscate animals if the owners violate the proposed law or if the animals pose a threat to humans or other animals.
West Virginia joins a string of states looking to regulate or ban exotic pets following the release of dozens of wild animals in Zanesville, Ohio, last year.