Update (February 26, 2015): This bill passed the Senate and was transmitted to the House.
Bill Description:
This bill would widen the circumstances in which the public could have direct contact with exotic animals.[teaserbreak]
It adds leopards to the list of “dangerous regulated animals,” which already includes lions, tigers, jaguars, mountain lions, hybrid big cats, bears and bear hybrids, and non-native venomous snakes.
It also designates circumstances in which regulated big cats may come into “full physical contact” with members of the public. It is permissible when the big cats are cubs under a certain weight limit.
Background:
Under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), licensed owners of big cats, bears, nonhuman primates, and other wild animals can allow the public to interact with the animals. This interaction often takes the form of petting or photo opportunities. While it may seem like an exciting activity, such interactive sessions threaten both animal and human safety, undermine conservation efforts, and encourage irresponsible breeding.
It is standard in this industry to separate babies from their mothers, because young animals are easier to use in such exhibits. Sadly, this is an inhumane and unhealthy practice that can lead to lifelong physical and psychological problems – and even death. This process feeds a vicious cycle of breeding, exploiting, and then dumping baby animals, which fuels the exotic pet trade.
Furthermore, dangerous exotic animal incidents are common, as demonstrated in our Exotic Animal Incidents Database. Additionally, animals are carriers of diseases that can be transmitted to humans through direct contact.
Take Action:
Kansas residents, urge your state senator to oppose this legislation!
Read the full text and follow its progress here.