Protecting Local Zoos Act of 2026

H.R. 7159 would amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to create a new regulatory framework for how zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, and other licensed facilities can legally possess certain prohibited wildlife species. Currently, federal law restricts the possession of many endangered and protected animals. This bill would allow Department of Agriculture-licensed entities to hold these species if they register each animal with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and follow specific operational restrictions.

Under the proposed framework, registered facilities would be prohibited from breeding, buying, or selling the prohibited species, and would face restrictions on public exhibition. The bill also removes snow leopards and clouded leopards from the prohibited species list, which would benefit zoos participating in breeding programs for these endangered cats. The legislation aims to provide a clearer legal pathway for accredited zoos and wildlife facilities to continue conservation, medical treatment, and educational work with protected animals.

The bill currently is under consideration in the House Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries, with subcommittee hearings held in February 2026. If enacted, it would significantly change how federal wildlife regulations apply to zoos and similar facilities, though implementation would require the Fish and Wildlife Service to establish new registration and compliance systems.