Oct 24 2008
Support Haley’s Act to Protect Large Cats and the Public
The American Society for the Prevention fo Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is enocouraging individuals to write their local representatives to support a bill that would protect both large cats and humans by prohibiting direct contact between the two.
Haley’s Act is named in honor of Haley Hilderbrand, a 17-year-old girl who died in 2005 while she was having her picture taken with a Siberian tiger. The 550-pound tiger had been well-behaved. However, that fateful day, the tiger killed Haley. The tiger was also shot several times was killed as a result.
All facilities that house large cats must be licensed by the USDA, whether the large cat is being held captive in a backyard or zoo or otherwise. However, the USDA has no authority to protect large cats and the public at this time by prohibiting contact between the two at this time.
Haley’s Act would allow the USDA to consider both the large cats’ and public safety as they issues exhibitor licesnses. The Act would also prohibit direct contact between the public and large cats, protecting both the public and large cats.
Additionally, Haley’s Act will increase the civil penalty for violating the Animal Welfare Act from it’s current $2,500 violation fee to a $10,000 violation penalty.
If you are interested in supporting Haley’s Act, please visit the ASPCA and fill out this form. Your letter will be sent to your representative.
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