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HB 1258

WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Provides with respect to seizure of sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brett Geymann and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a welfare-first disposition process for contraband wildlife: release, rehabilitation, or licensed placement, with euthanasia only as a last resort per AVMA guidelines.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 1258

Overview

HB 1258 (Salon: Geymann/Ventrella) proposes a new state law governing how the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries handles wildlife that is sick, injured, or orphaned and seized due to unlawful possession. The bill creates a structured, welfare-focused framework that prioritizes release, rehabilitation, and placement with licensed facilities, with euthanasia allowed only as a last resort under specific circumstances. The bill adds a new provision to Louisiana Revised Statutes, creating a formal process for “contraband wildlife” disposition.

Main purpose and intent

  • Establish clear procedures for the disposition of wildlife seized for unlawful possession.
  • Prioritize humane outcomes: release to the wild when feasible, rehabilitation with licensed rehabilitators, or placement with appropriate licensed facilities (zoos, sanctuaries, educational institutions) when release is not possible.
  • Limit euthanasia to last-resort scenarios and require adherence to recognized veterinary guidelines.

Key provisions and changes

  • Creation of new statute: R.S. 56:126.1, Disposition of wildlife seized for unlawful possession; euthanasia.
  • Definitions:
    • “Contraband wildlife” refers to wildlife seized in violation of law (R.S. 56:126).
  • Evaluation:
    • Contraband wildlife must be evaluated by DWF field staff or a veterinarian to determine disposition.
  • Disposition priority (in order of preference):
    1. Release into suitable habitat if the animal is clinically healthy, past independence age, and release is not prohibited.
    2. Rehabilitation: If sick or not immediately releasable but capable of rehabilitation, place with a DWF-permitted wildlife rehabilitator who is willing to accept the species. The rehabilitator remains responsible until release or until no further rehabilitation is feasible; the rehabilitator must notify the department before euthanizing any wildlife in care.
    3. Placement with licensed facilities: If nonreleasable due to disease, habituation to captivity, or public health/ safety concerns, place with a zoo, aquarium, sanctuary, educational institution, or other licensed/authorized facility.
    4. Euthanasia: Allowed only as a last resort if:
      • No viable or available options (release, rehabilitation, or placement) exist,
      • The animal exhibits disease,
      • The animal has sustained a life-threatening injury,
      • Release/rehabilitation is prohibited by law and no licensed facility will accept the wildlife,
      • A determination by the state wildlife veterinarian or department veterinarian that euthanasia is in the animal’s best interest.
  • Euthanasia standards:
    • Must be conducted in accordance with the most current Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
  • Other notes:
    • The bill emphasizes collaboration with licensed rehabilitators and facilities and adherence to legal and regulatory constraints for disposition.

Who would be affected

  • The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (DWF) personnel responsible for seizing contraband wildlife and determining disposition.
  • Wildlife rehabilitators licensed by the department.
  • Licensed facilities such as zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and educational institutions capable of housing or displaying wildlife.
  • The general public, particularly in contexts involving animal welfare, wildlife rehabilitation, and lawful possession.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective disposition process applies to wildlife held in violation of current law (the seizure context specified).
  • Decision-making path is defined to occur via an evaluation by DWF field staff or a veterinarian, followed by placement decisions in the sequence described.
  • Before euthanizing any wildlife under the rehabilitation pathway, the rehabilitator must notify the department.
  • Euthanasia is tightly regulated, requiring adherence to AVMA guidelines and alignment with the defined last-resort criteria.

Practical impact

  • Creates a standardized, welfare-centered framework for handling contraband wildlife.
  • Likely increases placements with licensed rehabilitators and appropriate facilities, reducing unnecessary euthanasia.
  • Establishes explicit criteria and procedural safeguards to ensure humane treatment and compliance with veterinary guidelines.
  • May affect resource allocation within DWF for evaluation, coordination with rehabilitators, and interstate or federal licensing considerations.

Status and background

  • The bill was read by title (as of May 6, 2026) and introduced as HB 1258, substituting HB 662.
  • Supported by Representatives Geymann and Ventrella.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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