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Conservation California animals kangaroo elephant wild animals domesticated bear caracal otter serval sloth wallaby

Protect Animal Education & Conservation Programs – Oppose California AB 892

CA AB 892 is scheduled to be heard on April 8th, 2025 at 9:00 AM Pacific Time in the Assembly Water, Parks & Wildlife Committee. 

AB 892 seeks to prohibit direct contact between the public and certain captive wild animals, imposing civil penalties and potential permit revocations for violations. While the bill claims to enhance animal welfare and public safety, it imposes unnecessary restrictions on lawful animal exhibitors, educators, and conservation programs. This legislation will harm responsible facilities, limit public education opportunities, and negatively impact businesses and nonprofits that rely on interactive experiences to foster appreciation and support for wildlife conservation.

AB892 is An act to add Section 2129 to the Fish and Game Code, relating to wild animals and is a prohibition on direct contact with the following animals: 

“Covered animal” means any live member of any of the following animals held in captivity:
(A) Bear.
(B) Caracal.
(C) Elephant.
(D) Kangaroo, or any hybrid of a kangaroo.
(E) Non-human primate.
(F) Otter.
(G) Serval.
(H) Sloth.
(I) Wallaby, or any hybrid of a wallaby.
(2) “Direct contact” means physical contact or proximity where physical contact is possible, including, but not limited to, any proximity without a permanent physical barrier designed to prevent physical contact between the public and a covered animal.

AB 892 is an unnecessary, overreaching bill that will harm legitimate wildlife educators, exhibitors, and conservationists while doing little to improve animal welfare or public safety. Instead of punishing responsible professionals, lawmakers should focus on enforcing existing regulations that ensure ethical treatment and handling of captive wildlife.

Hinders Public Education & Conservation Efforts:

  • Interactive programs with animals, such as educational encounters at zoos and wildlife centers, play a crucial role in conservation awareness and public engagement.
  • Hands-on experiences foster empathy, learning, and financial support for animal conservation programs.

AB892 is Unnecessary & Overreaching Regulation:

  • Existing laws and permits already regulate the handling and care of captive wildlife to ensure safety and welfare.
  • Additional prohibitions create excessive burdens on responsible, licensed facilities without clear benefits.

Economic Impact on Lawful Businesses:

  • Many wildlife education programs, rehabilitation centers, and ethical exhibitors rely on controlled public interactions to sustain their operations.
  • Restricting these experiences could lead to financial losses, job cuts, and reduced funding for animal care.

Contradicts Science-Based Animal Welfare Practices:

  • Many animal professionals, including veterinarians and behaviorists, recognize that controlled interactions under expert supervision benefit animal welfare by providing mental stimulation and socialization.
  • Removing these interactions can lead to increased stress and behavioral issues for animals in human care.

Disproportionate & Punitive Consequences:

  • The immediate suspension or revocation of restricted species permits is an extreme measure that could shut down responsible facilities overnight.
  • Facilities would have little recourse to correct compliance issues before losing their permits, creating instability and uncertainty.

Unfair Exemptions & Selective Enforcement:

  • The bill exempts film industry professionals and certain officials but penalizes legitimate educators, exhibitors, and conservationists.
  • If public safety is a true concern, why allow exemptions for entertainment purposes while targeting educational programs?

 

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