Bill Description:
This bill adds the Zoological Association of America to the list of entities exempted from Texas’ dangerous wild animal registration requirements.[teaserbreak]
Background:
It is important to maintain a strong registration requirement for the ownership of “dangerous wild animals” by disreputable facilities.
It is problematic to include the ZAA in these exemptions because their standards for accreditation are very poor. This organization see animals as commodities rather than sentient beings, and exists to further their own profit-making rather than to ensure animal welfare. The accredit facilities such as petting zoos and roadside zoos. These are exploitative wildlife attractions — ranging from backyard menageries to so-called “sanctuaries,” to drive-through parks — most of which display various species of captive wildlife for a fee. Disguised as conservation, educational, or rescue facilities, roadside zoos and menageries are among the worst abusers of captive wildlife. Among the more benign discoveries, inspectors frequently documented animals being kept in cramped, dirty cages, often surrounded by trash. Read more about these horrific facilities here.
Take Action:
Texas residents, contact your state representative and urge him or her to oppose this legislation!
Read the full text and follow its progress here.