Bill Description:
This bill weakens the Large Carnivore Act by expanding the exemptions to that law.[teaserbreak]
The Large Carnivore Act regulates the ownership and care of large carnivores throughout the state. To own a large carnivore in Missouri, the owner must have a permit issued by the Division of Animal Health for each animal. A permit allows the applicant to own and house 1 animal for one 1 year. Many large facilities, such as licensed zoos and circuses, are exempt.
H.B. 1264 adds an additional exemption for “mini circuses,” which are defined as follows:
An incorporated, class C licensee that is licensed under Chapter I of Title 9 of the Code of Federal Regulations that is temporarily in this state, and that exhibits or displays live animals to the public.”
To summarize, this bill would add another major loopholes to Missouri’s restrictions on the ownership and permitting of large carnivores.
Background:
It is important to maintain strong restrictions on the ownership of large carnivores by private individuals, roadside zoos, and disreputable “sanctuaries.”
Traveling shows, such as the ones included under “mini circuses,” are particularly cruel for animals because they are forced to live their lives on the road. They usually spend most of their time closed into small trailers, and must endure a life of constant discomfort, boredom and fear for the sake of human entertainment. Performers that travel with circuses choose such a lifestyle; animals forced to participate do not.
It is also inherently dangerous for wild animals to be in such close proximity to people. Check out our Exotic Animal Incidents Database for tragic instances of injury to both humans and animals at traveling shows.
Take Action:
Missouri residents, contact your state representative and urge him or her to oppose this legislation!
Read the full text and follow its progress here.