Exotic animal regulations passed

Senators passed a bill March 24 that addresses the state’s authority to regulate exotic animal sales in Nebraska.

LB884, introduced by North Platte Sen. Tom Hansen, adopts the Exotic Animal Auctions or Exchange Venue Act and requires organizers of exotic animal auctions or swap meets to obtain a permit before holding such events. The bill also requires that organizers retain or contract with a licensed accredited veterinarian to be available during each sale.

The bill defines an exotic animal as those species or breeds not commonly sold through auction markets but required to be licensed pursuant to the Livestock Auction Market Act, such as miniature cattle, horses and donkeys. Exotic venues are no longer limited to the types of sheep and goats that may be sold and are exempt from the requirement that they be licensed as a Livestock Auction Market when sheep, goats and bovine, camelid and porcine species are sold there, provided an accredited veterinarian is on site and each animal that changes ownership is accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. An inspection could be issued on the sale day or written within 30 days prior to the sale date.

Further, LB884 requires verification that a permit applicant has contracted for the services of an accredited veterinarian. The department may deny a permit based on an incomplete application, previous violations of the act or an applicant’s inability to fulfill the responsibilities of a permit holder.

The bill passed on a 44-0 vote.