Animal Legislation

Protecting exotic animals from exploitation is at the core of what Black Pine advocates for. The captive-raised residents at the Sanctuary could have had lives in the wild if there were laws protecting them. Take Myles for example. Myles, a young long-tailed macaque was found after his private owner passed away in the home. No one in this person’s life knew that Myles existed before law enforcement arrived. He had been in the home for five days, tied to a bookcase with a leash locked three times around his midsection, deprived of food, water and any resemblance of comfort. Myles was incredibly malnourished and in a state of fear upon their arrival. He should never have been taken from his mother, sold, and living in a home in Indiana, where he almost lost his life.

So, how can you get involved? Here is a list of active legislation. YOUR VOICE MATTERS! Please join us in support the movement of laws to truly protect exotic animals.

Active Legislation

Big Cats:

-In 2026 HR 7159, Known as the Protecting Local Zoos Act of 2026: Creates loopholes to the Big Cat Public Safety Act to allow for the resumption of cub petting, would allow “import and export” of big cats by animal dealers. Presented in January 2026, and currently in legislative process.

Primates:

-The Captive Primate Safety Act was reintroduced in April 2024 and again in May 2025, but has not yet passed the House or Senate. The proposed legislation aims to amend the Lacey Act to prohibit the private ownership, breeding, and interstate transport of nonhuman primates for the exotic pet trade. Animal Legal Defense Fund points out that the recent Netflix docuseries, Chimp Crazy, may help elevate awareness of this crisis and push this legislation through. Captive Primate Safety Act HR 3199/ S1594.

Cracks down by prohibiting private possession and interstate or foreign commerce of non-human primates. (The Lacey Act is a foundational United States conservation law that bans trafficking in illegally taken or harvested wildlife, fish, and plants.).

Black Pine supports the end of private procession of primates in the state of Indiana and beyond! Learn more:

2026-06-10_IN NHP private possession_Factsheet

Bob Cats:

Bob Cat hunting in Indiana: In 2025 ,Hoosier trappers killed 250 Bobcats with neck snares and leg traps. It was the first time the state’s only native wild cat had been legally hunted since 1969. 253 were killed in just 28 days. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources wants to expand the hunting of the once-endangered animal by increasing the quota by 60% (250 to 400) while also allowing bobcats to be killed in more ways (guns and bows). Currently under review.

Fur and Urine Farming:

The Animal Welfare Act (AWA): Exempts “normal farm-type operations” that raise animals for food, fiber (fur), or eggs from federal humane treatment and care standards. According to Humane World for Animals: Most states do not have specific animal welfare or care codes for animals kept on fur and urine farms. Operations often require only a standard wildlife breeding permit (e.g., from a state Department of Natural Resources) to hold animals in captivity. In the U.S., there are no federal regulations related to the welfare, care or slaughter of animals farmed for their fur.

-In New York City, NY A08327 was introduced in 2025 which would ban the retail sale of non-domesticated birds (finches, macaws, cockatiels, etc.) within the city, if passed. This bill leaves provisions for adoption to allow displaced avians to be rehomed and actively ease the burden on sanctuaries and rescues. Ideally, this would set a precedent for future legislation that protects these birds across the globe.

USDA:

-USDA currently inspects birds when visiting sanctuary

-USDA does not inspect reptiles

Circus:

-Circus Animals Ban New Jersey (passed) New York (proposed)

Pet Stores:

-PetSmart no longer selling reptiles in Canada

Bears:

Bear Baiting: H.R. 4422 (“Don’t Feed the Bears Act”) Introduced federally, this bill mandates that federal agencies (like the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) adopt and enforce regulations prohibiting the intentional feeding of

bears—including baiting for hunting purposes—on federal public lands.

Bear baiting in the United States: It is legal in 12 states, though regulations differ by state.. It is permitted on designated lands in Alaska, Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, among others. However, federal regulations forbid the practice on national parks and federal national preserves in Alaska.

Sources:

Protecting Local Zoos- Big Cat Public Safety Act Challenges:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7159

https://aldf.org/article/defend-the-big-cat-public-safety-act/

https://humaneaction.org/press-release/2026/01/misguided-house-bill-would-roll-back-acclaimed-law-

protecting-lions-tigers

Captive Primate:

https://awionline.org/news/captive-primate-safety-act-would-end-the-cruel-and-dangerous-primate-pet-trade/

https://www.worldanimalprotection.us/take-action/support-the-captive-primate-safety-act/

Bobcat hunting-Indiana:

https://www.humaneworld.org/en/blog/indiana-bobcat-trapping-season

https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/hunting-and-trapping/bobcat-season/

https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2026/04/16/dnr-proposes-boost-to-bobcat-trapping-quota-add-

weapons/

Fur and Urine Farms:

https://www.humaneworld.org/en/ohio-fur-and-urine-farm-rescue

Bear Baiting:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4422/text

https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/bear-baiting-risks.htm