Bill Overview
Title: Big Cat Public Safety Act
Description: This act revises requirements governing the trade of big cats (i.e., species of lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or cougar or any hybrid of such species) under the Lacey Act to limit the possession, breeding, and exhibition of big cats. The Lacey Act prohibits any person from importing, exporting, buying, selling, transporting, receiving, or acquiring big cats across state lines or the U.S. border. However, some exemptions are provided for certain entities, such as universities and wildlife sanctuaries. (Sec. 3) The act expands the Lacey Act prohibitions to include a prohibition on possessing or breeding big cats. Breeding means facilitating propagation or reproduction (whether intentionally or negligently), or failing to prevent propagation or reproduction. Owners of big cats that were born before this act's enactment may keep their big cats, but the owners must register them with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The act modifies the list of entities that are exempt from prohibitions to export, buy, sell, transport, receive, acquire, possess, or breed big cats. The modified list includes exemptions for entities or facilities exhibiting animals to the public if they (1) hold a Class C license in good standing under the Animal Welfare Act, and (2) do not allow individuals to come into direct physical contact with big cats. However, direct contact is allowed if the individual is a trained professional, a veterinarian, or directly supporting conservation programs that do not involve commercial activities and meet other specified restrictions. (Sec. 4) A person who knowingly violates the act must be fined not more than $20,000, or imprisoned for no more than five years, or both. The act considers each violation to be a separate offense. The offense must be deemed to have been committed not only in the district where the violation first occurred, but also in any district in which the defendant may have taken or been in possession of the prohibited wildlife species. (Sec. 5) The act extends forfeiture provisions to fish, wildlife, or plants that are bred or possessed; thus, big cats bred or possessed in violation of the act are subject to forfeiture. (Sec. 6) The Department of the Interior must issue regulations to implement this act.
Sponsors: Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5]
Target Audience
Population: People involved in the trade, possession, or conservation of big cats
Estimated Size: 10000
- The act affects individuals and businesses involved in the trade, possession, and exhibition of big cats, including private owners and breeders.
- Entities such as zoos, educational institutions, and sanctuaries handling big cats are impacted due to the exemptions and regulations they must adhere to.
- Legislation covers large cats like lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, or cougars, as well as hybrids of these species. This global population is involved in these activities around the world.
- Given the significant international trade of exotic animals, limitations under this act have global implications, potentially affecting thousands of individuals in various countries where big cats are part of wildlife conservation, trade, or entertainment industries.
Reasoning
- This policy directly affects individuals and businesses involved in the trade, possession, and exhibition of big cats, including private owners and breeders.
- Zoos, educational institutions, and sanctuaries handling big cats will be impacted by regulations and exemptions outlined in the act.
- Given the global nature of big cat trade and conservation, but with an American focus, estimates suggest around 10,000 people involved domestically.
- Budget constraints limit the scope of enforcement and education efforts initially, focusing on major impact areas and high-risk violations.
Simulated Interviews
Private wildlife owner (Texas)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is going to restrict my business significantly. I relied on interactions with the big cats for income.
- I'm concerned about the costs of compliance and whether I'll be able to keep my animals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Zoo curator (California)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy helps tighten the measures already in place at our institution.
- Although our zoo is compliant, we're concerned about any nuances in regulations that may affect our licensing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Big cat sanctuary operator (Florida)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act aligns with our mission to provide safe havens for big cats.
- We expect more animals from non-compliant owners, increasing our responsibilities and operational needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Wildlife conservationist (New York)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am a strong supporter of legislation that regulates the care and trade of big cats, both locally and globally.
- The act reflects growing public awareness about animal welfare and conservation challenges.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Exotic pet owner (Nevada)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Government shouldn't dictate what animals I can and can't own.
- I'll have to deal with more bureaucracy; it's hard to keep up.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Veterinarian specializing in exotic animals (Ohio)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy provides a framework that helps ensure better animal welfare overall.
- Might increase demand for my services as more owners seek vet assistance to comply.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Animal show operator (Oklahoma)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This legislation could potentially end my business model.
- Interaction with animals is a huge part of my draw.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Big cat breeder for private collectors (Montana)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy puts my breeding program at risk.
- I may seek legal counsel to navigate these changes.
- Concerned about long-term operations and income.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Wildlife law enforcement officer (Kansas)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This legislation provides important new tools to regulate wildlife trade.
- It will increase workload initially but is essential for animal protection.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Animal rights activist (Tennessee)
Age: 43 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a step in the right direction for animal rights.
- I'm hopeful it will lead to even stricter regulations nationwide.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $20000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $20000000)
Year 10: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $20000000)
Key Considerations
- The severe penalties for violations, including fines and imprisonment, may encourage compliance.
- The requirement for registration of existing big cats could be burdensome for private owners but essential for enforcement.
- The act is part of a broader global initiative to restrict wildlife trade and promote conservation.