87-5-709. (Effective January 1, 2004) Exceptions and exemptions to possession and sale of exotic wildlife. (1) Sections 87-5-705 through 87-5-708 and this section do not apply to:
     (a) an accredited zoological garden chartered by the state as a nonprofit corporation if the zoological garden establishes that the proposed facilities are adequate to provide secure confinement of the exotic wildlife in question; or
     (b) domestic animals.
     (2) The department shall institute and administer an amnesty program for exotic wildlife possessed by a person as of January 1, 2004, who is not in compliance with 87-5-705 through 87-5-708. Until January 1, 2005, a person who reports that person's noncompliance to the department may not be prosecuted for a violation based on the reported noncompliance. Possession authorization must be provided by the department for species possessed as of January 1, 2004, and the authorization may include any conditions and restrictions necessary to minimize risks.

     History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 536, L. 2003.