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house Bill H.R. 1380

Should the Breeding & Private Possession of ‘Big Cats’ Like Lions & Tigers Be Prohibited?

Argument in favor

This bill would prohibit the breeding & private possession of big cats unless the current owners register with the Fish & Wildlife Service, in addition to banning them from allowing the public to have direct contact with cubs. It will end inhumane practices that exploit big cats.

jimK's Opinion
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12/03/2020
Yes, prohibit private individuals from owning big cats without a carefully monitored license to do so. Easy! … … … Now let’s move on to some real problems like Covid relief and protecting our country’s and the world’s economies. Do this before moving on to renaming portions of highways to memorialize yourselves. Jeeezzzee!
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Dicr's Opinion
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04/08/2020
Go to a zoo if you want to see them. Don and Eric Trump should be ashamed of their hunting of endangered animals. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/dec/11/donald-trump-jr-mongolia-rare-endangered-sheep-permit
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Promise's Opinion
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12/04/2020
All exotic critters should be banned. I live in Texas and every October I find baby geckos in my yard. They are breeding in an area where they are not supposed to be. Humans are the worst invasive species to ever evolve on this planet. We want a ‘pet’ then we don’t know what to do with it when we don’t want to take care of it. I don’t have sympathy when a 700 pound tiger eats you.
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Argument opposed

This bill would make the regulatory process for zoos & other legitimate owners of big cats unnecessarily complex & convoluted by involving the Fish & Wildlife Service in regulations that are already administered by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.

larubia's Opinion
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12/03/2020
We already have strict laws in place for this. I would rather you undo the damage this administration has done to the Endangered Species Act in reference to Trophy Hunting & the imports of trophies of endangered species...the kind tRump’s kids share photos of their kills on social media, sick mother scratchers. Better yet, why don’t y’all HELP the PEOPLE you swore to represent? Get the COVID aid passed already!!! Ugh!!!
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Dave 's Opinion
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12/03/2020
I support the idea but am opposed to this Bill. I would assume that all zoos in this country meet and exceed all existing regulations and standards for these animals. And other long established sanctuaries most likely do as well. They should not be burdened with additional unnecessary administrative red tape to interfere with their good work. But yes, we should figure out a way to prevent careless breeding practices and adoptions to stupid irresponsible people. Same thing needs to happen with puppy farms.
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Lisa's Opinion
···
12/03/2020
Unfortunately if we want to continue to see these animals and with many with threat of extinction, it may be only way left for preservation Best is to protect our environment to allow animals to have their own space.
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What is House Bill H.R. 1380?

This bill — the Big Cat Public Safety Act — would prohibit private ownership of big cats (such as tigers, lions, leopards, and pumas), the breeding & possession of such animals, and prohibit exhibitors from allowing public contact with cubs. People who already own such animals could keep them if they register with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Wildlife sanctuaries, veterinarians, colleges & universities, zoos, exhibitions, and other entities that meet certain requirements would be exempt from these requirements.

This bill aims to prevent the mistreatment of wild animals and limit the danger posed by these animals to the public, including first responders who are called upon following escapes & attacks. Current law already prohibits the import, export, purchase, sale, transport, and acquisition of big cats across state lines or the U.S. border.

Impact

Big cat owners & breeders; people who would have contact with big cat cubs; animal welfare entities & first responders; and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Cost of House Bill H.R. 1380

The CBO estimates that implementing this bill would cost $3 million over the 2020-2024 period.

More Information

In-Depth: Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) introduced this bill to ban the breeding & private possession of big cats, such as lions & tigers, with exemptions for qualified wildlife caretakers and for individuals who already own such animals & register with the Fish & Wildlife Service:

“From irresponsible breeding to inhumane living conditions and public exploitation, the mistreatment of big cats comes in a variety of forms. By introducing the Big Cat Public Safety Act, we are working to address a serious issue that causes immeasurable animal suffering and introduces inexcusable threats to human safety. State laws regarding private ownership of big cats are inconsistent or nonexistent, which is why a uniform federal law is necessary to end this dangerous industry once and for all.”

Original cosponsor Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) added:

“As a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I’m committed to ensuring our government is doing its part to promote animal welfare. I’m proud to stand with Rep. Quigley to introduce legislation which will protect big cat wildlife species.”

House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Rob Bishop (R-UT) argued that the bill “does little more than create conflicting enforcement authority between the USDA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,” and added in a statement to E&E News:

“If you want to strengthen the USDA permits, strengthen the permits. Dragging another federal agency into the fold does nothing but complicate and convolute… This act does nothing to protect big cats but rather serves special interest groups by pitting small, community and family-owned zoos against big industry and incentivizes pay-to-play schemes to allow big donors to have direct contact with these animals.”

This legislation passed the House Natural Resources Committee on a 21-14 vote in September 2019, after an amendment offered by Ranking Member Bishop was defeated.  It has the support of 227 cosponsors, including 205 Democrats and 22 Republicans.


Media:

Summary by Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / munsoo Jahng)

AKA

Big Cat Public Safety Act

Official Title

To amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to clarify provisions enacted by the Captive Wildlife Safety Act, to further the conservation of certain wildlife species, and for other purposes.

bill Progress

  • Not enacted
    The President has not signed this bill
  • The senate has not voted
      senate Committees
      Committee on Environment and Public Works
  • The house Passed December 4th, 2020
    Roll Call Vote 272 Yea / 114 Nay
      house Committees
      Water, Oceans, and Wildlife
      Committee on Natural Resources
    IntroducedFebruary 26th, 2019
Log in or create an account to see how your Reps voted!
    jimK's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    12/03/2020
    Yes, prohibit private individuals from owning big cats without a carefully monitored license to do so. Easy! … … … Now let’s move on to some real problems like Covid relief and protecting our country’s and the world’s economies. Do this before moving on to renaming portions of highways to memorialize yourselves. Jeeezzzee!
    Like (89)
    Follow
    Share
    larubia's Opinion Against
    ···
    12/03/2020
    We already have strict laws in place for this. I would rather you undo the damage this administration has done to the Endangered Species Act in reference to Trophy Hunting & the imports of trophies of endangered species...the kind tRump’s kids share photos of their kills on social media, sick mother scratchers. Better yet, why don’t y’all HELP the PEOPLE you swore to represent? Get the COVID aid passed already!!! Ugh!!!
    Like (43)
    Follow
    Share
    Dicr's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    04/08/2020
    Go to a zoo if you want to see them. Don and Eric Trump should be ashamed of their hunting of endangered animals. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/dec/11/donald-trump-jr-mongolia-rare-endangered-sheep-permit
    Like (43)
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    Leslie's Public Comment
    ···
    12/03/2020
    Where is Covid legislation? Why are legislators working on all these obscure issues & bills? Trying to look busy? It’s not working!
    Like (33)
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    Archigos's Opinion In Favor
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    12/03/2020
    Where's our FUCKING healthcare?
    Like (20)
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    Promise's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    12/04/2020
    All exotic critters should be banned. I live in Texas and every October I find baby geckos in my yard. They are breeding in an area where they are not supposed to be. Humans are the worst invasive species to ever evolve on this planet. We want a ‘pet’ then we don’t know what to do with it when we don’t want to take care of it. I don’t have sympathy when a 700 pound tiger eats you.
    Like (17)
    Follow
    Share
    Dave 's Opinion Against
    ···
    12/03/2020
    I support the idea but am opposed to this Bill. I would assume that all zoos in this country meet and exceed all existing regulations and standards for these animals. And other long established sanctuaries most likely do as well. They should not be burdened with additional unnecessary administrative red tape to interfere with their good work. But yes, we should figure out a way to prevent careless breeding practices and adoptions to stupid irresponsible people. Same thing needs to happen with puppy farms.
    Like (13)
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    Sandi's Opinion In Favor
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    03/26/2019
    Thank you to the movie Tiger King - hope that soon this will no longer be an issue!
    Like (13)
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    Sandra's Public Comment
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    12/03/2020
    The earth is made up of different "systems", not unlike our bodies.....and the health of each of the systems will ensure the health of the whole.....In general, Man does not "get" this.....WE are a plague on the health of the planet we call home. We drain wetlands, fracture the earth to procure fuel we burn that pollutes the air, kill magnificent creatures for their skin, antlers tusks...basically body parts which we wear, hang on our walls or turn into ridiculous "medicines" (i,e, aphrodesiacs) OR just for a photo op. We are currently leveling the Rain Forest which is not only home to uniquely magnificent creatures and indigenous tribes but also supplies a HUGE amount of the very oxygen we breathe. Big Cats should be protected in the wild for the good of all.....and since most people will never travel and see this creatures in their natural habitat......well run zoos could teach people about the marvels of our planet....our "fellow earthlings" if you will. I do NOT believe that "private ownership" is a good idea and "Fish and Wildlife" at this point, I would not trust to regulate....anything.
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    Jacob's Opinion In Favor
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    12/03/2020
    They belong in the wild
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    Joan's Opinion In Favor
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    12/03/2020
    Yes! Now pass the relief for this trump virus ravaged nation!
    Like (12)
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    Kodiwodi's Opinion In Favor
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    12/03/2020
    I don’t much trust the department of agriculture anymore and Fish and Wildlife is questionable but for the sake of disappearing species and endangered animals it seems better if two agencies are having a look. I don’t believe wild animals should be owned by anyone. I believe wildlife preserves should be just exactly that. Anyone found possessing an exotic animal should be punished in the same way the animals are. Spending many years behind bars.
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    santosian's Public Comment
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    12/06/2020
    Yes, prohibit such private individuals
    Like (9)
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    Willie 's Opinion In Favor
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    12/04/2020
    Wild animals are not domestic pets and should not be treated as such.
    Like (8)
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    Colleen's Opinion In Favor
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    12/03/2020
    The only ones breeding and owning these beautiful animals should be zoos. They have the knowledge and wherewithal to do it correctly and understand these are wild animals, not pets.
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    davidf's Opinion In Favor
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    12/03/2020
    Again, human arrogance. How do you get the unwilling to learn?
    Like (8)
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    Lisa's Opinion Against
    ···
    12/03/2020
    Unfortunately if we want to continue to see these animals and with many with threat of extinction, it may be only way left for preservation Best is to protect our environment to allow animals to have their own space.
    Like (8)
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    Zoë's Opinion In Favor
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    12/03/2020
    This is a less pressing issue than others like covid control, financial covid relief, healthcare, and education.
    Like (7)
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    Brian's Opinion In Favor
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    12/05/2020
    Private citizens don't need to own large animals like this, and having big cats in neighborhoods could also pose risks to those who live nearby. Your freedom ends when it can cause the injury or death of others, and this is a prime example. If you want a big cat, move to a country where it's legal to own one.
    Like (7)
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    Kathleen's Opinion In Favor
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    12/04/2020
    Yes and if anyone knows me...I am a fighter for animals. No one should be allowed to contain any wildlife...ever! I don't like seeing any wildlife in zoos either! They are not cared for properly because it's only about the ticket sales! Sanctuaries are to rehabilitate and care for them...not cage them for show! No animal deserves to be abused and neglected to make money and please an audience! That's not what God put them on this earth for! The cross breeding of different species should also be prohibited! We need to protect these and all wildlife! Tell me...have you ever been scratched or bitten by a domestic cat? Hurt like the dickens didn't it? Well the size and power behind a tiger's paw which is almost the size and a lot heavier than of a domestic cat, will rip you wide open! Their bite will crush your bones! They are beautiful animals and not meant to be hunted...caged...or bred to show for money! They are individual beings and have a right to live out their lives free...raise their young...only helped when necessary in a sanctuary until they can be released back into the wild or live out their ending days and be content there because they won't survive in the wild. There's no reason on earth to trap a beautiful innocent animal for profit and should be jailed for doing so!
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