Big Cat Safety: Banning Breeding and Public Contact
New regulations aim to enhance public safety and protect big cats like lions and tigers. They restrict private ownership, breeding, and trade of these animals. Stricter rules are also introduced for zoos and sanctuaries to prevent direct public contact with these predators.
Key points
Prohibits importing, exporting, selling, possessing, and breeding big cats for most individuals.
Zoos and exhibiting facilities must maintain a safe distance from the public (at least 15 feet) and prohibit direct contact, unless it involves trained staff or veterinarians.
Wildlife sanctuaries must be non-profit, cannot commercially trade or breed big cats, and must not allow public contact.
Individuals possessing big cats before the law's enactment must register them, and cannot breed or sell them, or allow public contact.
Violations carry significant penalties, including fines up to $20,000 and imprisonment up to 5 years.
Expired
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