As your constituent and a supporter of the Wildlife Conservation Society, I am writing to urge you to cosponsor and help to pass the Big Cat Public Safety Act (H.R. 263/S. 1210), introduced in the House by Reps. Mike Quigley and Brian Fitzpatrick and Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Susan Collins.

Big cats, like tigers, lions, and cougars, do not belong in private homes. When kept in private residences they make no contribution to the conservation of their species. Furthermore, they are often kept by individuals who lack the training and expertise to care properly for the animals’ needs, under suboptimal conditions, including insufficient living spaces, poor nutrition and receive inadequate veterinary care. Keeping big cats in these conditions compromises their welfare. These very real issues aside, the most compelling reason to not keep big cats in private residences is that they are extremely dangerous animals that pose a threat to public safety.

As drafted, H.R. 263 and S. 1201 would strengthen existing law to prohibit the possession of tigers, lions, and other big cat species except by qualified entities, such as facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Under the bill, current private owners would be allowed to keep their animals. However, they would be required to register them with the government to ensure that first responders and animal control officers are aware that these animals are in their communities. The legislation also would place restrictions on public contact with these species and would curb the use of commercial photo-ops, petting, and similar activities that undermine animal care and welfare.

I urge you to cosponsor and pass these bills as soon as possible. Thank you for considering my request.