Bill Description:
This bill would amend the Captive Wildlife Safety Act to prohibit the private possession and breeding of big cats. There are exemptions for larger facilities such as AZA-accredited zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, state colleges and universities, and select traveling circuses that are in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act. Anyone who currently owns big cats would be allowed to keep the animals, but would need to register them with the government.[teaserbreak]
Background:
This bill was introduced in 2013 as H.R. 1998/S.1381.
Check out our exotic pets page and our database of exotic pet incidents for more info on why private possession of big cats is a major threat to animal welfare and public safety.
Read the full text here for the House version and here for the Senate version.