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Committee approves prohibition on non-domesticated animals, including zebras; debate over hybrids and moving pet owners
Summary
The committee approved House Bill 53, which restricts ownership of non-domesticated animals; members debated whether the bill would prohibit hybrids or grandfather existing owners and noted prior local incidents involving zebras.
The Judiciary Committee voted to approve House Bill 53, a criminal law measure restricting non-domesticated animal ownership, in a recorded voice that produced the reported tally of 15–3–1. Delegate Erika (speaking during the hearing) said the bill as written does not clearly distinguish hybrids from fully wild animals and warned courts could be left to decide whether ownership of hybrid animals would be banned.
“I'll just say for the record that there's actually a pretty large group of, people in the US who breed zebras and bridal,” Delegate Erika said, urging clarity about hybrids and the status of owners who move into the state with such animals. Other members noted past incidents involving zebras in Prince George’s County as evidence the bill could be relevant to public safety.
The committee completed a roll call and reported the bill passed. Committee members did not amend the bill during the session; the measure will move to the next stage in the legislative process.
