Big Cat Public Safety Act

Big Cat Public Safety Act

This bill revises restrictions on the possession, exhibition, or breeding of big cats (i.e., species of lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or cougar or any hybrid of such species). For example, the bill permits wildlife sanctuaries to allow direct contact between the public and big cats.

Bill 117 HR 211, also known as the Big Cat Public Safety Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the United States Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the issue of public safety concerns related to the ownership and breeding of big cats, such as lions, tigers, and leopards, by private individuals.

The bill aims to prohibit the private ownership of big cats and the breeding of these animals for personal possession. It also seeks to restrict the use of big cats in public exhibitions, such as circuses and roadside zoos. The legislation is designed to protect both the public and the animals themselves from potential harm and exploitation.

Supporters of the Big Cat Public Safety Act argue that these animals require specialized care and environments that private individuals may not be equipped to provide. They also point to instances of big cats escaping from captivity and posing a danger to nearby communities as evidence of the need for stricter regulations. Opponents of the bill, however, argue that it infringes on the rights of private individuals to own and breed big cats. They also raise concerns about the potential impact on businesses that rely on the use of these animals for entertainment purposes. Overall, the Big Cat Public Safety Act is a controversial piece of legislation that has sparked debate among lawmakers, animal rights activists, and private individuals who own or work with big cats. Its ultimate fate will depend on the outcome of congressional hearings and votes.