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Committee approves felony trespass measure for zoos and animal facilities after recent break‑ins
Summary
Senate Bill 2969 would create a new offense for trespassing into animal enclosures and raise penalties if the trespass harms animals; zoo leaders testified about repeated break‑ins and animal safety risks.
The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice voted to report Senate Bill 2969 to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation after hearing testimony from zoo officials about repeated intrusions into animal enclosures and the risks those incidents pose to animals, staff and visitors.
Senator Parker, the bill sponsor, said the measure would create a state jail felony for trespassing in a facility housing animals, and elevate the offense to a third‑degree felony if the trespass results in harassment, injury or death of an animal; it also would require restitution for property and animal damage. Zoo leaders described a series of incidents — including the 2023 Dallas Zoo case in which two emperor tamarin monkeys were stolen and later recovered — and urged stronger criminal penalties.
Tim Morrow, CEO of the San Antonio Zoo, testified that current misdemeanor trespass charges are inadequate for repeat or dangerous intrusions into habitats that house endangered species and that staff and animal safety are at stake. Diana Wharton, senior director of safety and security at the Dallas Zoo, described repeated after‑hours entries, thefts and an episode in which a clouded leopard and other animals were endangered; she said the defendant was later found incompetent to stand trial, and charges were dismissed when competency issues and statutory timing coincided.
Supporters argued the bill protects nonprofit zoological facilities that conserve endangered species and provide public education; they said stronger penalties will deter dangerous behavior and help facilities recover costs and damages. The committee voted 5–0 to advance the bill.
