BUCKEYE (AZFamily) — An E. coli outbreak among children that officials tied to contact with animals at a recent fair has prompted state lawmakers to consider new rules that would require hand-washing stations and other protections at petting zoos and similar attractions across Arizona.
Senate Bill 1082, introduced by Republican Sen. John Kavanagh, would require hand-washing or hand-sanitizing stations at any location where members of the public are allowed to touch or feed live animals. The proposal also calls for clear warning signs, enclosed animal areas and adult supervision at all times.
“A number of kids at the Arizona fair came down with an illness that was directly related to their contact with animals in a petting zoo at the fair,” Kavanagh said. “I think that people, especially kids, need to be protected with reasonable regulations statewide.”
At a Buckeye petting zoo, owner Jodi Denney said she has long emphasized hygiene and supervision to protect visitors.
“I’ve been around animals for most of my life,” Denney said. “We make sure we tell everyone when they arrive that we do have a hand washing station.”
Denney said her visitors range from toddlers to senior citizens, and that younger children are often the greatest concern.
“I think all petting zoos should require some sort of safety for the participants with their hand washing situation,” she said.
The bill would apply statewide, Kavanagh said, though similar rules already exist in some Arizona counties.
One notable exemption would allow private, single-day events held at homes to forgo the hand-washing station requirement; those events would still be required to post warning signs and provide adult supervision.
“It’s basic hygiene and basic sanity that, you know, if you’ve touched animals that, frankly hang around in their own feces, it might be a good idea to wash your hands as you leave,” Kavanagh said.
Denney said she already follows many of the measures outlined in the bill and that statewide enforcement could help standardize practices across the industry.
“If somebody can take charge and just make sure that there’s a uniformed law or requirement for everyone, I think it’s a great idea,” she said.
Senate Bill 1082 is now moving through the Legislature.
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