Last month, the Pennsylvania Game Commission voted to pass a change to menagerie regulations, thereby allowing wild animal exhibitors in our state to monetize public contact experiences with most wildlife. The vote ignored serious concerns raised by various organizations committed to wildlife protection and conservation. It was passed even though it will increase Pennsylvanians’ risk of injury and the transmission of zoonotic diseases, make it harder for game wardens to observe safety standards and put unnecessary stress on Pennsylvania wildlife.
Since this entirely unnecessary change defies common sense and sound scientific reasoning, the most likely motivation for passing it must have been financial profit.
Wild animals should never be considered public entertainment. Facilitating close access to them sends an inappropriate and dangerous message: that it is OK to approach a potentially dangerous animal in the wild, or perhaps even have a wild or exotic animal as a pet, legally or not.
Readers who are passionate about our native Pennsylvania wildlife will agree that the best way to teach respect for wild animals is to let them be wild. It is wrong to subject them to inappropriate contact with humans, even well-meaning ones, for the sake of financial profit.
Christina Hoenig
Robinson