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Protect Big Cats and Humans Alike!

Final signature count: 25,186

Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site

Support a bill that would prohibit the personal ownership of big cats like lions, tigers, and cheetahs.


By now, we've all probably heard the story of the man who, in October 2011, released his personal collection of exotic animals, including tigers, bears, and lions, and later committed suicide. Because authorities couldn't catch or properly house the large animals, many had to be shot.

This tragic loss of both human and animal life highlighted the need for stronger regulations regarding the possession of big cats. Congressman Howard McKeon introduced The Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act (H.R. 1998) to address this problem by prohibiting private ownership of big cats like lions, tigers, and cheetahs.

We need this legislation not only to protect humans, but also to preserve the lives of these precious creatures. Sign your name in support of H.R. 1998 and stand up for big cats!

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The Petition:

Dear Representative,

I applaud your efforts to protect big cats by sponsoring H.R. 1998, the Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act.

We have all witnessed what can happen when big cats are owned by private citizens who lack the proper knowledge and accreditation to care for them. The tragic 2011 incident in which a big cat owner released his animals and then committed suicide is a prime example.

We need legislation like H.R. 1998 so events like this don't happen again. Handlers of lions, tigers, cheetahs, and other large cats need specialized training; this job shouldn't be open to the public.

Please continue to advocate for the safety of humans and big cats alike by seeing H.R. 1998 pushed into law!

Thank you for your continued attention to this issue.

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Signatures:

Updates:

This petition is no longer active. View other causes that need your support.

In many states in the country, it's STILL legal to own big cats as household pets. This is unacceptable! Sign now to ask the House and Senate chairmen of the Department of Agriculture to spearhead an effort to amend the Lacey Act to protect big cats!: http://therainforestsite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/trs/petition/big-cats-pets-trs/