As an animal advocate concerned about public safety, I am thrilled that the Big Cat Public Safety Act finally passed through both chambers and is headed to President Joe Biden’s desk.
This no-brainer legislation restricts private ownership of big cats like lions and tigers. It also makes it illegal for exhibitors to allow direct contact with cubs. Some might not realize how cruel interactions such as bottle-feeding or selfies are. The truth is cub attractions lead to perpetual breeding to maintain babies. When these babies grow too large to be handled and controlled, they are often sold to private individuals or killed when they are no longer a source of additional income.
Big cats — and other wild animals — belong in the wild. When there are situations where captive animals can no longer safely be returned to the wild, they should be in reputable and properly accredited sanctuaries. It is worth noting that Living Treasures Animal Park is not accredited by the gold-standard Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries or Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Depriving animals of the ability to engage in their natural behaviors, separating them from their babies or forcing them into dangerous interactions with humans is both cruel and dangerous.
Natalia Rosario Zapata
New Kensington
The writer is assistant communications manager for Humane Action Pittsburgh.