Unless you have your head buried in the sand, you know that right now it’s legal to own a lion, tiger, or other big cat as a pet with little or no regulation or oversight. Hell, there are more laws regarding dog and cat ownership than there are big cats!
But hopefully that’s about to change.
There’s a bill before the House of Representatives called Big Cat Public Safety Act (H.R. 3546). If passed into law, the Big Cat Public Safety Act would make it illegal to own big cats, unless you are a zoo and and meet accreditation guidelines. Those who currently own big cats can be grandfathered in provided they register the cat. Breeding will no longer be allowed.
So why have you not heard about this bill? Because since it’s introduction into the House, it’s gone nowhere.
You can change that.
Call or write your representative and ask him or her to support HR 3546.
Not sure exactly how to do this?
Start by going to the Big Cat Rescue web site and reading about this bill. CLICK HERE.
After reading the important information about this bill, type in your zip code in the box at the bottom of the page. Once you submit, a form letter addressed to your representative will pop up. You will need to add your name, address, etc. You’re also encouraged to add a personal message to the canned one, but it’s not required.
Prefer to call your representative’s office? The numbers will be listed and you can use the form letter as talking points.
My representative is Gwen Graham, and I wrote her office a personal letter stating why I feel this law should be passed. I pointed out the ESTIMATED number of big cats here in Florida, and how that could be a problem. I also asked to be contacted by Rep. Graham’s office.
What did YOU say in YOUR email?
Dogpaddling Through Life 
I am an animalist, an ecologist who strives for the animal’s rights… I deplore the fact that is grant permission to hold any kind of caged animal, but mostly large animals that are not comparable to the dogs or cats or hamsters… Tigers are wild animals and they belong in the wildness of their countries! I always thought that America should have better laws about this matter, showing intelligence and sensibility and being an example for others. In my small country there isn’t even the ideas of having a tiger inside a cage as a pet… maybe we are small and less powerful but with more sensibility toward these issues! C. Giovannoni
PS. I signed the petition.
Thanks!
I hope it will be law soon and once we will see this animals from a distance in their natural habitat and not behind bars…
More likely they will go extinct, but I think death is preferable to endless neglect.
Thanks for this important information!
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It is important Roy! We’re one natural disaster away from another Zanesville in some parts of the country.
I don’t need a crystal ball to predict how this will be voted. I’m laying 5 to 1 that Republicans vote no, and Democrats split and cave. Don’t get me wrong, I’m in agreement that we should contact our Reps and try and sway their opinions, but without lots of money, lots of cocaine, and lots of teenage boy-hookers, we don’t stand a chance.
Sorry. I probably shouldn’t have said that – but sadly, I know my government.
Actually two of the cosponsors are Republican and this is a good time to try to get this passed as there is some bipartisan support.
damn autocorrect!
Done and done. Thanks for letting us know.
Thank you!!!!
this is outrageous…this has been illegal in the uk for years,xxRachel
Yeah well we here in the US are all about doing stupid stuff. We keep our guns where our children can access them and we keep big cats…… because we can.
May be things will change x
Thank you, Rumpydog. I sent the letter to my congresswoman.
Awesome!!!! Good Human! You deserve a cookie!
This is shocking stuff. I hope the bill gets passed.
The stupid things we’re allowed to do versus the logical things that are illegal can keep you awake at night if you ponder them to much….but staying awake thinking of solutions is a good thing..
Oh no….poor mom cat….she was stolen her babies from her at birth……no wonder why she looks grieving so deeply……..