FWC schedules workshops on proposed captive wildlife rules

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has scheduled workshops across the state to receive public input on proposed captive wildlife rules. The workshops will cover draft recommendations on possession of captive wildlife, public contact with captive wildlife, classification, hybridization of domestic and wild animals, rehabilitation facilities and wildlife sanctuaries.

The FWC encourages interested people to participate in the workshops, all of which will be from 7 – 8:45 p.m., as follows:

June 9

South Florida Water Management District, Building B-1 (First Floor Auditorium)
3301 Gun Club Rd.
West Palm Beach

June 10

State of Florida, Department of Management Services
Joseph D'Alessandro Building (Room 165)
2295 Victoria Ave.
Fort Myers

June 11

Kissimmee Civic Center
201 E. Dakin Ave.
Kissimmee

June 12

Florida Department of Agriculture
Division of Plant Industry (1st Floor Auditorium)
1911 S.W. 34th St.
Gainesville

June 13

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Farris Bryant Building, 2nd Floor Auditorium (Room 272)
620 S. Meridian St.
Tallahassee

The rules drafts will be available at MyFWC.com, under Calendar of Events, on June 9.

The public can e-mail comments by visiting  rulechanges@MyFWC.com. On the subject line, type "captive wildlife." To submit written comments, interested persons can mail them to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Attn: Capt. Linda Harrison, 620 Meridian St., Tallahassee, FL, 32399-1600. The deadline for submitting public comments is the close of business July 4.

Recommendations will go before FWC commissioners in September.

Anyone requiring special accommodations to participate in the workshops should advise the FWC at least five calendar days before the workshop by calling 850-488-6411. If you are hearing- or speech-impaired, contact the FWC using the Florida Relay Service at 800-955-8771 (TTY) or 800-955-8770 (voice).