House of Representatives Resources Committee Passes Captive Wildlife Safety Act

The Humane Society of the United States
Thursday, 17 July 2003

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) expressed thanks to the House Committee on Resources for approving The Captive Wildlife Safety Act, H.R. 1006, which bans interstate commerce of exotic cats for the pet trade.

U.S. Representative Buck McKeon (R-CA) and George Miller (D-CA) introduced this bill and similar legislation in the last Congress, largely in response to concern for the treatment of the animals and an alarming number of attacks on humans by pet lions, tigers, and other exotic cat species. A Senate companion bill, S. 269, has been introduced by Senators James Jeffords (I-VT) and John Ensign (R-NV). The monkeypox outbreak has created additional impetus to address the overall question of imports of exotic pets into the United States.

"It is dangerous and inhumane and just plain stupid to keep big cats as pets," said Wayne Pacelle, HSUS senior vice president for communications and government affairs. "We are pleased that the Congress is taking action on this issue, and he hope the Congress will approve the measure in short order. We also hope the Congress will look even more broadly to address the serious public health and animal welfare concerns raised by the trade in all wild animals."

Twelve states currently ban private possession of large exotic animals and seven states have partial bans. Pacelle said that The Humane Society of the United States hopes that more states will address this and pass strong legislation banning ownership of dangerous exotic animals.

"A combined federal-state approach is the most effective method to addressing commerce in exotic animals," said Pacelle. "The monkeypox outbreak and numerous incidents involving exotic pets have demonstrated that decisions to keep exotic animals as pets have potentially far-reaching impacts on our communities."

No federal law currently restricts sale or ownership of these animals. The legislation seeks to amend the Lacey Act, which addresses shipments of fish and wildlife, by barring the interstate movement of dangerous exotics for use as pets. Facilities that operate under a U.S. Department of Agriculture permit, such as zoos and circuses, are exempt.

The HSUS is the nation's largest animal protection organization with over seven million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, wildlife, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. For nearly 50 years, The HSUS has protected all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation, education, advocacy and field work. The non-profit organization is based in Washington, DC and has 10 regional offices across the country.

For more information, or to contact The Humane Society of the United States, see their website at: www.hsus.org