Bush Signs Exotic Pets Bill Into Law

IFAW

In an effort to control the interstate commerce of big cats, like lions and tigers, President Bush has signed the Captive Wildlife Safety Act into law. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW - www. ifaw.org) has pushed for the bill's passage to help slow down the trade in exotic pets.

The legislation outlaws selling and shipping lions, tigers and other big cats across state lines without the proper permit or accreditation. Currently, there are more than 10,000 tigers being kept as pets in the U.S. creating a significant animal welfare and human safety problem.

"Before this bill was signed into law it was legal to order a tiger off the Internet and have it shipped to your door," said Sarah Tyack, IFAW's Deputy Director for Animals in Crisis and Distress program. "The Captive Wildlife Safety Act is a good first step in slowing down the trade in big cats. At least now shipping wild animals, like tigers, across state lines will be restricted."

Just last month, IFAW relocated 24 tigers from a private owner in New Jersey. The "Tiger Lady," as she is known, had been keeping the tigers as pets on a quarter acre, fenced enclosure in her back yard. The tigers were transferred to a sanctuary in Texas where they have been recovering from years of malnutrition.

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