Washington, D.C. — Born Free USA, a global leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, along with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, filed a petition demanding greater accountability from the Iowa Department of Animals and Land Stewardship (IDALS). This agency is tasked with carrying out the state’s exotic animal ownership regulations, but has chosen to interpret them in the least stringent way possible. [teaserbreak]
According to Adam M. Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA, “This irresponsible and careless approach creates an unacceptable risk for both public safety and captive exotic animals in Iowa. Roadside zoos across the state imprison exotic animals such as lions, tigers, and bears in appalling conditions. How do these facilities get away with this? It comes down to a fatal combination: poor federal enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act, and nonexistent state oversight.”
To address these issues, the petition demonstrates why IDALS’ interpretation of the exotic animal ownership law does not match the intent of lawmakers. It requests a clarification that will require IDALS to fully enforce its exotic animal registration rules. Under the requested change, roadside zoos will be forced to register with the state, which creates greater accountability. Through this registration process, IDALS will be able to identify, track, and monitor exotic animals within the state, giving them the authority to investigate complaints of animal mistreatment and suspend or revoke registrations. This will also prevent individuals from exploiting a loophole and obtaining federal exhibitor licenses just to circumvent the state prohibition on private exotic pet ownership.
Roberts added, “This is one step in a long battle to address the animal welfare and public safety risks that are inherent at these substandard facilities. We are confident, though, that it is the start of positive changes for exotic animals in Iowa.”
The agency has sixty days to respond to the petition.
Born Free USA is a global leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through litigation, legislation, and public education, Born Free USA leads vital campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic “pets,” trapping and fur, and the destructive international wildlife trade. Born Free USA brings to America the message of “compassionate conservation” — the vision of the U.K.-based Born Free Foundation, established in 1984 by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of the iconic film Born Free, along with their son Will Travers. Born Free’s mission is to end suffering of wild animals in captivity, conserve threatened and endangered species, and encourage compassionate conservation globally. More at www.bornfreeusa.org, www.twitter.com/bornfreeusa, and www.facebook.com/bornfreeusa.
Media Contact: Rodi Rosensweig, 203/270-8929, therodicompany@gmail.com