Sadly, this metal cage is actually a typical %u201Chabitat%u201D for the world%u2019s largest population of tigers. The estimated 5-7,000 tigers that live in captivity in the U.S. outnumber those in the wild in Asia and Russia %u2013 but their standard of living is a great deal poorer.
Shockingly, lions, tigers and leopards weighing up to 600 pounds are actually being kept in backyards, basements and even city apartments. Bought as adorable cubs, they quickly outgrow their owners%u2019 ability to care for them.
Most of the tigers in America -- along with more than 10,000 lions, leopards and other big cats here %u2013 aren%u2019t found at accredited zoos. Instead, these big cat victims of the exotic animal trade live in cramped and appalling conditions in substandard sanctuaries, unregulated roadside and amateur zoos, backyards %u2013 and even city apartments. Not only are these magnificent felines at risk %u2013 but obviously, so are people living nearby these dangerous animals.
In August 2005, Haley Hilderbrand, a 17-year-old Kansas teenager, was tragically killed by a Siberian tiger at a USDA-licensed wildlife facility while having her picture taken. In other cases, children have been dragged under fences and killed or severely injured by big cats.
Please contact your Representative to cosponsor Haley's Act to prohibit direct contact between big cats and to increase the fine for violations of the animal welfare act (promoting better care of tigers, lions and other big cats already in captivity, since they can never be safely returned to their native habitats).
Let%u2019s work together to end the cruel confinement of these extraordinary animals who are clearly %u201Cborn to be wild.%u201D
Please sign the Petition.
Thank you!
we, the undersigned
are writing you to express our serious concerns about the big cats in the USA who being kept in backyards, basements, and other private, unregulated areas. Shockingly, lions, tigers and leopards weighing up to 600 pounds are actually being kept in backyards, basements and even city apartments. Bought as adorable cubs, they quickly outgrow their owners%u2019 ability to care for them.
Not only do big cats present a significant threat to the owners, but they also put other members of the community, both people and pets, in danger. There are a growing number of reports of big cats escaping, causing injury to the public, and costing the public thousands of dollars in recovery expenses.
Please keep the wild cats in their natural habitats. They are not appropriate as "pets!"
Thank you for taking the Time to read this letter.
Sincerly,
we, the undersigned
