This week the Senate passed a bill, known as the Big Cat Public Safety Act (HR 263 / S1210). The bill would limit private ownership of big cats as pets and current owners would be required to register their pet ownership with first responders/animal control in their community.
In addition, the bill would make it illegal to host public petting, play sessions, feeding, and photo ops with cubs. The intent is to help limit the exploitation and profit of public interaction with these animals that leads to the overbreeding of these animals and the destruction of adult cats.
In July, the House of Representatives passed new legislation that would add restrictions on the ownership of big cats. In the wake of the "Tiger King" documentary, more scrutiny has been placed on the ownership and care of exotic animals, and this bill would be the first major change nationally to limit ownership restrictions.
Despite the current political climate, the passage of the bill in the Senate was a rare display of bipartisanship with the vote passing by unanimous consent. This means it was passed without objection from any senator. It now goes to the President's desk where it is expected to be signed into law.
In addition, the bill would make it illegal to host public petting, play sessions, feeding, and photo ops with cubs. The intent is to help limit the exploitation and profit of public interaction with these animals that leads to the overbreeding of these animals and the destruction of adult cats.
In July, the House of Representatives passed new legislation that would add restrictions on the ownership of big cats. In the wake of the "Tiger King" documentary, more scrutiny has been placed on the ownership and care of exotic animals, and this bill would be the first major change nationally to limit ownership restrictions.
Despite the current political climate, the passage of the bill in the Senate was a rare display of bipartisanship with the vote passing by unanimous consent. This means it was passed without objection from any senator. It now goes to the President's desk where it is expected to be signed into law.
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