New Texas Law Could Make Zoo Trespassing a Felony

(KNUE-FM) Most people in Texas understand that if a door is locked then they need to stay out of that area.

The same can be said if a business is closed, and you would think that it would be common sense that zoo and aquarium enclosures would fall into that same category.

But in recent years there have been people that have wanted to get behind those closed doors and animal enclosures.

According to WFAA, if you’re caught doing some of that foolish behavior you could end up with a felony charge.

New Texas Bills Introduced to Protect Animals

As someone who loves animals, I have no idea why someone would disturb animals that are in an enclosure.

But House Bill 1720 and 2969 would propose that anyone caught knowingly entering an animal’s enclosure without legal authority or consent from the facility would be guilty of a state jail felony.

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Penalties Could Increase Even More

The bills will increase the penalties even further if the animal is harassed, injured, or killed during the trespassing.

There have been recent zoo break-ins in Texas, specifically in Dallas, and law makers want to put an end to it.

Very Few Exceptions to These Bills Being Introduced

There are very few exceptions to these bills, although someone would be protected if they entered an enclosure to assist someone in distress or to protect an animal.

If these bills are passed, they would take effect beginning on September 1, 2025.

Let’s hope this will stop anyone from endangering themselves and the animals in those enclosures.