U.S. implements ban on trade in big cats
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized rules this week that would make it illegal to import, export and transport a variety of large cats.
The regulations, effective Sept. 17, are part of the implementation of the Captive Wildlife Safety Act, which amends the Lacey Act.
The large cats affected by the rule include lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, cougars and cross-breeds. It's estimated that thousands of these cats are kept as pets in the United States, and the increase is due, in part, to Internet sales and auctions, Fish and Wildlife said.
The agency said 19 states already prohibit private ownership of large cats.
According to a recent U.S. Senate report, there have been numerous injuries and deaths associated with keeping these large cats as pets. The Captive Wildlife Animal Protection Coalition reported 123 incidents in the past five years, including 87 injuries or deaths to adults and children, and 38 animal escapes.
U.S. implements ban on trade in big cats
