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His expertise came in handy Tuesday when he helped pass a bill that bans new ownership of certain wild animals. The measure, which passed 48-0, says people who already have wild animals need to register their pets with the state.
The wild animals covered by the bill include lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, ocolots, elephants, bears, monkeys, alligators, crocodiles and certain types of snakes.
Seng said the bill is in response to safety concerns from local animal-control officials.
"Locally, if a person decides to buy an alligator, there is no law saying they can't, unless it's a local ordinance," he said.
The bill has exemptions for zoos, circuses, fairs, animal shelters, veterinarians and research facilities.
Iowans who already own animals covered by the bill would need to pay a registration fee. The fee would be based on the size of the animal, ranging from a high of $500 for an elephant down to $100 for certain types of snakes.
The bill now heads to the House.
Dan Gearino can be reached at (515) 243-0138 or dan.gearino@lee.net.
