Update: Unfortunately, this bill failed to meet legislative deadlines in 2008.
Bill Description: This bill requires that those who possess large cats — such as lions, tigers, and leopards — that are not native to Wisconsin register with the state. The bill also prohibits allowing members of the public to pay a fee to have their photographs taken with these animals. The bill requires that officials be notified if the animal escapes, and that the public have access to information about the location of these animals for public safety.
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Dangerous large cats do not adjust well to a captive environment and they spend the majority of their day in small enclosures unable to roam and express natural behaviors freely. As such, they pose a threat to public safety. The American Veterinary Medical Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all oppose private possession of certain dangerous wild animals. This commonsense bill is a first step in protecting the public, particularly children.