GAME COMMISSION [58 PA. CODE CH. 147] Special Permits; Exotic Wildlife [32 Pa.B. 6261] To effectively manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth, the Game Commission (Commission), at its October 8, 2002, meeting, proposed the following change:
Amend §§ 147.241, 147.261 and 147.281 (relating to scope) to require applicants to have 2 years of experience of hands-on work with exotic wildlife.
The proposed rulemaking will have no adverse impact on the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth.
The authority for the proposed amendments is 34 Pa.C.S. (relating to Game and Wildlife Code) (code).
The proposed rulemaking was made public at the October 8, 2002, meeting of the Commission. Comments can be sent to the Director, Information and Education, Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, until December 27, 2002.
1. Introduction
The Commission is proposing to amend Chapter 147 (relating to special permits) by adding §§ 147.241(g), 147.261(f) and 147.281(g).
2. Purpose and Authority
Currently, permits to acquire, possess and dispose of wild animals can be issued to individuals without any education or experience in caring for and safeguarding the public from these animals. This can result in mistreatment of the animals and endangerment of the public. The proposed rulemaking will remedy this situation by requiring permit applicants to have at least 2 years of hands-on work experience with the species involved.
Section 2901(b) of the code (relating to authority to issue permits) provides that ''the Commission may, as deemed necessary to properly manage the game or wildlife resources, promulgate regulations for the issuance of any permit and promulgate regulations to control the activities which may be performed under the authority of any permit issued.'' This section provides the authority for the proposed rulemaking.
3. Regulatory Requirements
The proposed rulemaking will require applicants to have 2 years of experience of hands-on work with exotic wildlife.
4. Persons Affected
Persons applying for exotic wildlife possession, exotic wildlife dealer and menagerie permits will be affected by the proposed rulemaking.
5. Cost and Paperwork Requirements
The proposed rulemaking should not result in any additional cost or paperwork.
6. Effective Date
The proposed rulemaking will be effective on final-form publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and will remain in effect until changed by the Commission.
7. Contact Person
For further information regarding the proposed rulemaking, contact David E. Overcash, Director, Bureau of Law Enforcement, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, (717) 783-6526.
VERNON R. ROSS,
Executive DirectorFiscal Note: 48-153. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A TITLE 58. RECREATION PART III. GAME COMMISSION CHAPTER 147. SPECIAL PERMITS Subchapter M. EXOTIC WILDLIFE DEALER § 147.241. Scope.
* * * * * (g) Experience required. A new applicant for an exotic wildlife dealer permit shall provide documentation of at least 2 years experience of hands-on work with the designated species, including care, feeding, handling, training and husbandry. This experience shall be from a recognized/approved facility and the owner, manager or licensee of this facility shall provide a letter of reference.
Subchapter N. EXOTIC WILDLIFE POSSESSION § 147.261. Scope.
* * * * * (f) Experience required. A new applicant for an exotic wildlife possession permit shall provide documentation of at least 2 years experience of hands-on work with the designated species, including care, feeding, handling, training and husbandry. This experience shall be from a recognized/approved facility and the owner, manager or licensee of this facility shall provide a letter of reference.
Subchapter O. MENAGERIES § 147.281. Scope.
* * * * * (g) Experience required. A new applicant for a menagerie permit shall provide documentation of at least 2 years experience of hands-on work with the designated species, including care, feeding, handling, training and husbandry. This experience shall be from a recognized/approved facility and the owner, manager or licensee of this facility shall provide a letter of reference.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 02-2274. Filed for public inspection December 20, 2002, 9:00 a.m.]
