Should congress restrict the possession, exhibition, and breeding of big cats?
This bill revises requirements governing the trade of big cats (i.e., species of lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or cougar or any hybrid of such species). Specifically, it revises restrictions on the possession and exhibition of big cats, including to restrict direct contact between the public and big cats.
Source: Representative Mike Quigley (Democrat, Illinois, District 5)
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How do you feel?
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Opponents say
• "The Big Cat Public Safety Act would potentially have a far-reaching impact on everything from how businesses with exotics function to conservation programs. Exactly how much overreach the bill could enact is unclear. This is because the bill is so vaguely written nobody can agree on what it would actually look like if implemented." Source: Protect the Harvest
• "These bills go much further and would subject animal owners to invasive and arbitrary federal regulation, which would force them to be separated from their animals, with no assurance of what would happen to the animals that would be taken. Illegal trade in big cats and primates which is the purview of the United States Fish & Wildlife Service, has been addressed by existing language. Therefore, the bills – which would task the Department of Agriculture with this new regulation - serves only to criminalize normal business operations already regulated by another agency of the federal government. " Source: Ujoin Email Advocacy on Opposing Big Cat Public Safety Act
Proponents say
• "Over the years, the world has seen the dangers of owning big cats, not just for the animals themselves but for the communities in which they are kept. When these big cats escape, first responders are put in immense danger. My legislation will bring an end to inhumane and unsafe conditions for big cats, while also keeping our neighborhoods and law enforcement safe." Source: Rep. Mike Quigley (Democrat, Illinois, District 5)
• "Wild animals, including tigers bred for their cubs, are exploited endlessly for profit by scofflaws in this cruel industry. The recent money laundering charges against Doc Antle, who is also facing wildlife trafficking and animal cruelty charges, underscore the unscrupulous nature of the characters involved. In captivity, lions, tigers and leopards are entirely dependent on our mercy and good judgment, and the Big Cat Public Safety Act is the down payment on what we owe them. Congress needs to seize the moment to pass this bill and shut down every Doc Antle or Joe Blow exploiting big cats and their cubs now." Source: Sara Amundson (President of the Humane Society Legislative Fund)
