Jacqueline Texier

I have personal experience with saving and rehabilitating wildlife. Before moving from California to New Hampshire, I used to volunteer at Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley. The "Three R's" of my work were "Rescue, Rehab and Release" where the objective is returning them to the wild where they belong. I know for a fact that exotic animals should never be kept as pets. There are too many risks and dangers involved. That said, there are provisions for animal rescues who bond with a family. But this kind of arrangement must meet certain requirements which are in place to protect ALL concerned. We need to keep the current permit requirement, and House Bill 251 is irresponsible and would jeopardize safety of human and wild animal interactions. Don't forget the tragic consequences which recently occurred of disregarding regulations, with Fred the Racoon and PNut the Squirrel being the innocent victims. According to P’Nut’s Guardian, an attempt was made to release the squirrel, but P’Nut returned, indicating he had become too dependent to survive independently. When this occurs, the appropriate next step is to apply for a PERMIT to provide long-term care. P’Nut’s Guardian stated that he was in the process of securing such a necessary permit when the animals were seized by state agents in an inexcusable raid on his New York home, as if this lawful citizen were a terrorist! Removing the permit requirement — as HB 251 proposes — is definitely not advisable, as it could lead to the inappropriate and potentially harmful captivity of wildlife. Proper regulations ensure that individuals caring for wild animals have the necessary expertise and resources to meet the animals’ needs without causing any harm. That's why a NO Vote on HB 251 is essential. Thank you.