Proposed Legislation May Affect Cat Haven

By Claudia Rodarte, KSEE24 News

May 20, 2013


Supporters of the bill say this is a big step forward in keeping the public safe, but one local wild animal park says that's just not true. In fact, it could affect big cats like these.

Project Survival's Cat Haven in Dunlap is home to 27 big cats; like tigers, lions and jaguars. A non-profit organization working to save cats in the wild.

Dale Anderson, Director of Project Survival's Cat Haven says the park would essentially be closed down if the bill is passed. "it's too broad as far as what it does and so we have issues with the bill because it includes organizations like ours."

The bill would ban the private possession and breeding of these categorized big cats. International Fund for Animal Welfare is spearheading the bill. They say a big problem is when people keep these wild cats as pets or exhibit them for profit.

Tracy Cappola, IFAW: "Very seemingly innocent endeavors, but are really really horrible for animal welfare, global conservation and of course public safety."

Anderson says it's frustrating to have to deal with congress again on things that are already taken care of. "We already have laws in effect that you can't have been cats out in public, you can't have public contact with big cats... those laws are already there."

The animal welfare group says they're looking out for the well-being of the animals. "True conservation isn't breeding the animals and then displaying them you know for public handling."
Anderson is compliant with all rules and regulations and says it's not right that they would try to eliminate all private organizations completely.

"When they start making legislation, the government makes broad stroke legislation and it encompasses people like us people, they don't make exceptions for us."

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