(1) The commissioner of the department of agriculture is hereby authorized to appoint and convene an advisory group to study the behavior of hybrid canids and felines including, but not limited to, wolf hybrids, which study shall include a review of any incidents involving property damage and personal injury caused by such animals. The advisory group shall consist of the commissioner of the department of agriculture or the commissioner's designee, a veterinarian, representatives from the division of parks and wildlife, wolf-refuge owners, hybrid canid or feline breeders, animal-welfare agencies, and the agricultural and environmental communities.
No later than January 15, 1998, the department shall present legislative committeesof reference with a summary of its findings, including, if necessary, proposals for legislation.
For purposes of section 35-81-101 and this section, a "hybrid canid or feline" meansan animal produced by breeding a wild canid or feline with a domestic canid or feline, and that animal's progeny. "Wolf hybrid" means an animal produced by breeding a wolf with a domestic canine, and that animal's progeny.
Source: L. 97: Entire article added, p. 553, § 1, effective April 24.