Earlier this year, a federal bill was introduced in the U.S. Congress called the “Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act” (HR 4122).  While the bill’s stated purpose is to promote safety and prevent illegal trafficking in exotic cats and their parts, the restrictions set forth would ultimately harm conservation and educational efforts by federally licensed animal exhibitors such as circuses and fairs.  In its current form, HR 4122 would prohibit the possession, breeding, and transportation of several species of big cats, except for those institutions accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA).  Current USDA exhibitor license holders would not be exempt from this bill unless they were also AZA members.

The bill was referred to the House Resources Committee for consideration.  Please take a moment to contact the members of the House Resources Committee, as well as your own member of Congress, and respectfully ask them to oppose HR 4122.  Letters to the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Buck McKeon (R-CA), are also encouraged. 

1.       Use the following link to contact all members of the House Resources Committee with one form: https://naturalresources.house.gov/contact/. 

2.       Contact information for the sponsor of HR 4122:

The Honorable Buck McKeon

U.S. House of Representatives

2184 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

3.       Sample talking points (but please use your own words in your correspondence):

• Circus and fair operators who have exotic cats in their care are already strictly regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture when they obtain their Class C Exhibitor’s license. 
• Requirements for the proper care and handling of big cats, including safety requirements for the animals and the public, are already included in the Animal Welfare Act (which the USDA enforces).
• The exhibition and display of exotic cats at fairs and circuses provides an opportunity to educate the public about these animals and promote conservation and research efforts.
• There is absolutely no evidence that tigers or their parts are being illegally trafficked in the United States, nor that the breeding of these animals is encouraging any type of underground trade.

Thank you for contacting Congress about this issue.