Stop public contact with big cats, bears and primates!
At disreputable animal parks and roadside zoos across Florida, visitors are encouraged to pose for photos with baby chimpanzees, swim with baby tigers or play with other exotic animals. These "encounters" come at a price.
Animals to be used for photo ops or play sessions are often removed from the care of their mothers shortly after birth. When an animal grows too large to be handled, they may be abandoned in a cage or dumped at another exhibitor. In addition to being exploitive and cruel, these money-making schemes encourage the irresponsible breeding of tigers and other captive wildlife, and only worsen a nationwide crisis of unwanted exotic animals.
There is no reason why any member of the public should come in contact with wild animals and their young.
But there is good news! The USDA has announced that it is considering a petition to amend the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit public contact with big cats, bears, and primates.
You Can Help
Please submit a comment in support of the proposed ban on public contact with big cats, bears and primates, to protect public safety and animal welfare.
To submit comments (before October 4), go to the Federal eRulemaking portal: www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2012-0107, and then click on "Comment Now!"
Or mail comments to:
Docket No. APHIS-2012-0107
Regulatory Analysis and Development
PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8
4700 River Road, Unit 118
Riverdale, MD 20737-1238
Sample text (it's best to use your own words):
"I support amending the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit public handling of big cats, bears, and primates, regardless of the animal's age. Public contact puts animals at risk and endangers the public. Stopping these interactions would remove a financial incentive to breed tigers and other captive wildlife."
Thank you!