Patricia Anastasia

Raccoons and squirrels are wild animals that are difficult to domesticate and train. They should not be kept as pets. Animals that wildlife rehabilitators deem unable to survive in the wild are not meant to be kept as pets. Wildlife rehabililators place animals unable to return to the wild in educational facilities or refuges. It is not in the best interest of wild animals to be kept as pets. This bill does not provide any funding for the Fish and Game Department. Fish and Game will need to document and track animals deemed unable to survive in the wild. Additional staff hours will be needed for investigations and enforcement. This bill will have significant financial impact and very little, if any, benefit.