- ACTION ALERT: Colorado Ban Bill SB-21-135 headed to Senate.

BAN on educational outreach programs and more with any animal non-native to Colorado! Senate Bill 21-135 (SB-21-135)  is NOW HEADED TO THE SENATE FLOOR.

The bill clearly states that "exotic animal" means "any animal that is not native to Colorado." While later there is a list of exotic animals in the bill, "exotic animal" holds multiple definitions and it is likely multiple interpretations by enforcement officers will follow. Additionally, the species list could easily be removed at any time through an amendment or even by another bill after the law passes.

Regardless of what species are involved, this bill is unnecessary, redundant, and a waste of Colorado tax dollars. Animal welfare laws are already in place and measures like this bill only punish responsible citizens instead of actually penalizing criminals.

The unintended consequences are many. It is a ban on taking a Greek tortoise into a classroom for an educational program about reptiles. It is a ban on taking a ball python, a red-eyed tree frog, a parakeet, and a hedgehog into a library or to a Scout troop meeting for an educational show discussing the differences between reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals.

SB21-135 is sponsored by Senators Joann Ginal and Rachel Zenzinger, and Representatives Meg Froelich, and Monica Duran, all from the same "crew" that tried this last session.  It has been referred to the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee.

The bill has the misleading name of "Traveling Exotic Animal Safety Protection Act." This bill does not protect the animals, as those laws and protections already exist. This bill bans educational outreach and other programs. The title itself is another example of the misleading approach utilized by animal rights groups to win through emotion rather than fact or science.

There are some exemptions for AZA-accredited zoos and certain other research, sanctuary, etc. facilities. Each violation may be cited up to $1,000.