2013 Senate Bill 48 / Public Act 8

Ease bear cub "petting zoo" restriction

Introduced in the Senate

Jan. 16, 2013

Introduced by Sen. Tom Casperson (R-38)

To exempt bear cubs up to 36 weeks old from restrictions on the possession and handling of large carnivores that are older than 20 weeks. This would allow "petting zoos" and operations like Oswald's Bear Ranch in Newberry (whose being shut down led to the bill's introduction) to let members of the public have contact with bear cubs.

Referred to the Committee on Agriculture

Feb. 5, 2013

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Feb. 14, 2013

Passed in the Senate 26 to 9 (details)

Received in the House

Feb. 14, 2013

Referred to the Committee on Agriculture

Feb. 20, 2013

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

March 6, 2013

Amendment offered by Rep. Kevin Daley (R-82)

To "grandfather" existing bear cub petting establishments, but ban any new ones.

The amendment passed by voice vote

March 7, 2013

Passed in the House 56 to 52

To exempt current operations that permit the public to come into contact with bear cubs less than 36 weeks old and 90 pounds, but ban new ones. Reportedly the bill was introduced after Oswald's Bear Ranch in Newberry was ordered to halt this activity.

Received in the Senate

March 12, 2013

Passed in the Senate 26 to 8 (details)

To concur with the House-passed version of the bill, which "grandfathers" existing bear cub petting operations but prohibits new ones.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

March 26, 2013