Gov. Cuomo signs law banning photos with big cats (This should be a US Law)

BY Glenn Blain

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Monday, August 11, 2014

Richard Harbus/for New York Daily News Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal sponsored law banning photos with big cats

New York has now banned selfies with tigers –  and any other big cat.

Gov. Cuomo signed legislation Monday that makes it illegal for fairs and circuses to make their lions, tigers and other big cats available for photographs with patrons. The law takes effect in 180 days. “This is really directed at those traveling zoos or menageries that offer photos with dangerous big cats for a fee,” said Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan), who sponsored the measure.

Rosenthal, who is one of the Legislature’s most ardent advocates for animal rights, said the new law will protect humans from attack but also stop the animals from being exploited. “It is hard to believe it is not already illegal,” she said.

Rosenthal said she introduced the measure before the internet phenomenon developed earlier this year of people posing for pictures with tigers and other bigcats. “I actually didn’t know a thing about these tiger selfies,” she said.

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