Tiger tourism and big cat shows are getting the boot from America.
The Senate just OK’d legislation to ban most ownership of tigers, lions, and other big cats from citizens and for-profit outfits like TV’s Tiger King.
With little outside opposition, the proposal passed by unanimous consent and is now headed to President Joe Biden’s desk. He has supported the legislation.
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The Big Cat Public Safety Act was heralded by several animal rights groups.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals told Secrets this morning that the law was needed to stop the removal of kittens from their mothers so that they could be sold for big dollars.
PETA Foundation General Counsel for Captive Animal Law Enforcement Brittany Peet said, “The final nail’s about to hit the coffin of the extremely cruel big-cat cub-petting industry, which PETA lawsuits nearly annihilated by taking down the biggest players, such as the ‘Tiger Kings,’ and establishing that it’s illegal to separate big-cat cubs from their mothers prematurely and let the public pet them. PETA will be watching closely to ensure that federal authorities enforce the new law and stop wannabe ‘Tiger Kings’ from resurrecting this abusive industry.”
The Humane Society of the United States had conducted investigations into private ownership and found several abuses of big cats.
“This all starts with the breeding of big cats to produce cubs, who are removed from their mothers at birth. They are passed around for photos and profit, then discarded after a few months when they become too large and dangerous to handle,” said HSUS President Kitty Block and Sara Amundson, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund.
“The Congress recognizes that chaos and cruelty result when people breed big cats for use as pets or for commercial petting operations,” added Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy. “We applaud the Senate and House for establishing a national policy to stop the trade and breeding of endangered lions and tigers as pets in homes and props at roadside zoos,” said the longtime animal welfare advocate and spokesman.
Carole Baskin, who documented Tiger King as head of Florida’s Big Cat Rescue, was among the most prominent proponents of the act.
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The bill will limit ownership of the animals to wildlife sanctuaries, universities, and zoos. Only zoos or a legal exhibitor will be allowed to breed, and big cats will have to be kept 15 feet away from the public or behind a barrier when displayed.
In a statement, Baskin said, “The passage of the bill is the successful culmination of many years of battling against narcissistic, abusive, dangerous men who dominated this cruel trade and did everything they could to stop its passage, including wanting to intimidate, discredit, and even kill me.”
