Rehabbers and rescuers split over captive-wildlife bill H4100; key concerns are vagueness, seizures and nonreleasable animals

The House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs wildlife subcommittee heard more testimony on House Bill 4,100, a proposed statute to regulate captive wildlife, rehabilitation permits and the care of nonreleasable animals.

A large turnout of licensed rehabilitators, sanctuary directors and veterinarians offered competing recommendations: many said the state needs a clear permitting framework and more enforcement tools to deter untrained people from keeping wild animals; others said the bill as drafted is too vague, risks unconstitutional searches, and would force unlawful euthanasia of animals that cannot be returned to the wild.

"This bill is crucial for our native wildlife and communities," said Erica Shuff, owner of Hickory Haven Fawn Rescue, who described repeated instances of fawns kept as pets that later suffer or die. "Our officers need this bill to be able to deter this activity and keep our wildlife safe." Shuff urged mandatory recordkeeping, inspection authority for violations and…