8-30-23 wisconsin republicans consider bill to weaken oversight of roadside zoos

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican legislators are considering a bill that would weaken Wisconsin regulators’ oversight of small zoos. Right now public and private zoos accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association are exempt from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ licensure requirements. Unaccredited zoos must obtain licenses, which lay out pen specifications, record-keeping requirements and animal treatment standards. Sen. Van Wanggaard and Rep. Alex Dallman have proposed a bill that would exempt zoos accredited by the Zoological Association of America from license requirements. Animal rights advocates argue that association’s standards are much weaker than the zoo and aquarium association’s requirements.