Subject: Please Cosponsor Bill to End Big Cat Exploitation — H.R. 263
Dear [[Recipient's Title and Name]]:
H.R. 263, the Big Cat Public Safety Act (BCPSA), would end the sale and ownership of lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, cougars, or any hybrid of these species by unaccredited organizations and individuals.
For far too long lack of oversight has allowed these big cats to be treated as living trophies and placed in roadside zoos or in the hands of unqualified individuals. Some may have good intentions, but many are unscrupulous breeders and abusers, others lack even the minimum knowledge or ability to care for them. As a result, needless suffering of big cats and kittens occurs every day. What's more, the public and first responders are placed at risk due to their negligence.
BCPSA would prevent private ownership of big cats, including mountain lions, by closing loopholes and ensuring that those who don't meet the law's minimum standards will not be allowed to possess dangerous wild animals.
The current lack of regulation has allowed a trade in exotic animals to flourish. Horrendous conditions and public safety issues are rife within this shady industry. Only the BCPSA can achieve a permanent end to this crooked trade by ending the cycle of breeding, abuse and exploitation that has been occurring when these unregulated wild animals are kept and bred outside of sanctuaries, universities, and zoos.
I ask that you consider being a cosponsor of BCPSA. I look forward to hearing from you on this matter.
Thank You
