§19-34-8. Exemptions.

(a) The permitting provisions of this article do not apply to:

(1) Institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) or an AZA-certified facility;

(2) An animal control or law-enforcement agency or officer acting under the authority of this article;

(3) Licensed veterinary hospitals or clinics treating dangerous wild animals;

(4) A licensed or accredited research medical institution;

(5) A research facility as defined in the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. §2132(e), as amended;

(6) A circus that is an incorporated, Class C licensee under the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. §2132(e), as amended;

(7) A person displaying dangerous wild animals at a fair or festival that is a licensed exhibitor under the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. §2132(e), as amended; and

(8) A person temporarily transporting a dangerous wild animal through the state, if the transit time is not more than forty-eight hours and the animal is at all times confined sufficiently to prevent escape.

(b) Qualified exemption. -– The permitting provisions of this article do not apply to exhibitors or dealers licensed as of January 1, 2014, under the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U. S. C. §2132(e), as amended, and at the time the rules become effective and who continue to have a valid exhibitor or dealer license. The board may revoke this exemption as to exhibitors or dealers that have repeated, uncorrected citations in violation of the Animal Welfare Act, a conviction for violation of an animal cruelty statute or a violation of sections seven or nine of this article.