ST. PAUL -- An Aesop fable about the lion and the mouse becoming friends may have a modern parallel in the Minnesota Legislature.
Exotic animal owners and animal-rights supporters learned that they can co-exist, like the loin and mouse. The lion didn't like the mouse at first, but they became friends when the mouse gnawed through a rope holding the lion prisoner.
In the Legislature, the opposing sides gnawed through mistrust of each other, and on Tuesday came together on a bill that regulates exotic animals to a much lesser extent than animal-rights supporters first envisioned.
It bans anyone who doesn't already own big cats, like lions and tigers, from having them as pets. Other exotic animal pets, such as monkeys and bears, would be permitted, but still must be registered with local officials.
The House Civil Law committee approved the measure Tuesday and the full House is expected to do the same after another committee stop or two. A similar bill awaits Senate action.
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A bill that would ban most exotic animals surfaced last year, but did not receive a hearing because lawmakers were consumed with a nearly $4.6 billion deficit. Exotic animal breeders formed an association to fight the measure late last year. The proposal gained more attention after four tigers and a camel were found dead near Pelican Rapids earlier this year.
"They say a good compromise is when neither side is completely happy," Rep. Doug Lindgren, R-Bagley, said.
But he and Rep. Steve Strachan, R-Farmington, said the two sides can live with the compromise.
The biggest change is that lions, tigers and other big cats no longer will be allowed as pets. However, people who already own the cats may keep them and replace them one time if they die.
Primates and bears may be pets if they are registered with local animal control officials. Earlier bills restricted primates and bears, but the two sides compromised to more heavily regulate dangerous cats.
Exotic animal breeders, who eventually would have been put out of business under original Strachan's original bill, also will be required to register with local animal control officials. They also must hold U.S. Department of Agriculture licenses.
Breeders and other organizations allowed to have the animals, like zoos, must have a plan and equipment to deal with escaped animals.
"It should remove bad operators out of the system," Strachan said.
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Cindy Jepsen, who represents breeders, said under the measure local officials will know about exotic animals in their jurisdictions. Current law does not require that.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Don Davis at (651) 290-0707
