Protecting Texas Zoos from Break-Ins and Animal Thefts
After multiple break-ins and animal thefts at Texas zoos in recent years, state zoos have teamed up with advocacy groups and elected officials to support a couple of bills in the Texas Legislature that could provide some relief.
Background on the Issue
House Bill 1720 and Senate Bill 2969 will strengthen the penalties for trespassing at zoological facilities and create penalties surrounding habitat intrusions, a news release from San Antonio Zoological Society said.
Officials from both Dallas Zoo and Fort Worth Zoo said they are aware of and in full support of these bills.
Recent Incidents at the Dallas Zoo
“When break-ins at the Dallas Zoo in early 2023 drew unprecedented attention, the string of slashed enclosures, a missing clouded leopard, and animal thefts became front page news around the world,” said Kari Streiber, spokeswoman for the Dallas Zoo, in a statement.
These recent break-ins have caused a rise in concern for the safety of animals, staff and visitors, the release said. People trespassing within animal enclosures can cause “great harm” to themselves and the animals.
Current Law and Its Limitations
The current law does not hold offenders “criminally responsible for their actions” in these cases, officials said in the release.
“In recent years we have seen zoo intrusions escalate. Some of these have been for social media clout, some simply the result of bad behavior and some even resulting [in] theft and harm of animals.” Tim Morrow, president & CEO of San Antonio Zoo said in the release. “Currently the penalties in place are not enough of a deterrent for trespassing, and for habitat intrusions specifically — they simply don’t exist. We need these stronger penalties in place to help us better keep our animals, staff and guests safe.”
Proposed Legislation: HB 1720 and SB 2969
According to the news release, HB 1720 and SB 2969 create the criminal offense of trespassing in a facility housing an animal as well as restitution for property damage resulting from that trespass.
These bills would make trespassing in these facilities a jail felony, officials said in the release, and could escalate to a 3rd degree felony if the person harassed the animal and the animal suffered injury or death.
Importance of the Proposed Legislation
Officials said in the release that these bills are “crucial pieces of legislation” to ensure animals are protected from harm and stress caused by unauthorized intrusions.
The bills also require offenders to pay for any property damage that resulted from trespassing, which will not only hold them accountable but also provide financial relief to the property owners, officials said.
Support from the Community
“The Dallas Zoo came out of this challenging time a stronger organization, but having more protections in place for our facility and allowing for restitution owed for any damage from trespass incidents would make us feel more secure as we continue our work of Engaging People & Saving Wildlife,” Dallas Zoo officials said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proposed legislation, HB 1720 and SB 2969, aims to strengthen the penalties for trespassing at zoological facilities and create penalties surrounding habitat intrusions. This legislation is crucial in protecting the animals, staff, and visitors from harm and stress caused by unauthorized intrusions. The support from the community, including the Dallas Zoo and Fort Worth Zoo, highlights the importance of this issue and the need for stronger laws to prevent such incidents in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the main goals of HB 1720 and SB 2969?
A: The main goals of HB 1720 and SB 2969 are to strengthen the penalties for trespassing at zoological facilities and create penalties surrounding habitat intrusions.
Q: Why are these bills important?
A: These bills are important because they will help protect the animals, staff, and visitors from harm and stress caused by unauthorized intrusions. They will also provide financial relief to property owners who suffer damage as a result of trespassing.
Q: What are the current penalties for trespassing at zoological facilities?
A: The current penalties for trespassing at zoological facilities are not enough of a deterrent, according to officials. The proposed legislation aims to make trespassing in these facilities a jail felony and could escalate to a 3rd degree felony if the person harassed the animal and the animal suffered injury or death.
Q: Who supports the proposed legislation?
A: The proposed legislation is supported by the Dallas Zoo, Fort Worth Zoo, and other advocacy groups and elected officials.
Q: How will the proposed legislation affect the community?
A: The proposed legislation will help keep the community safe by preventing unauthorized intrusions at zoological facilities. It will also provide financial relief to property owners who suffer damage as a result of trespassing.
