[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 118 (Friday, August 19, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 19, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
              CAPTIVE EXOTIC ANIMAL PROTECTION ACT OF 1994

                                 ______


                       HON. GEORGE E. BROWN, JR.

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 19, 1994

  Mr. BROWN of California. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to introduce 
with 15 of my colleagues the Captive Exotic Animal Protection Act of 
1994. This act is legislation that every Member of Congress should 
support, especially those who adhere to the sport hunting principles of 
a fair chase and a clean kill. Canned hunts, as they are called, are 
not sport. They are not more than the slaughter of a magnificent animal 
by a would-be big game hunter who has paid a fee for a guaranteed 
trophy.
  It has been said that a true hunt is ``an experience that engages the 
skills of the hunter and captures the challenges of hunting wild game 
in wild country.'' Based upon the descriptions we have read and the 
television broadcasts we have seen, these canned hunts bear no 
semblance to that standard.
  A black leopard, raised in captivity, is released from a crate in the 
presence of a paying hunter and is immediately surrounded by a pack of 
hounds. The cat, virtually defenseless because it has been declawed and 
greatly outnumbered by the hounds, tries to escape by running under a 
truck. The hounds follow the cat who then darts from under the truck 
slightly ahead of the pack. The hunter finally gets his shot, and his 
trophy.
  A hunter approaches a herd of Corsican rams on a game ranch. The 
guide tells the hunter to set up and then goes to herd the animals 
toward the hunter. The hunter selects his trophy, takes aim with bow 
and arrow, and shoots. The ram is hit in the rear but does not go down. 
Over a period of minutes, four more arrows fly and hit their target, 
but this is not a quick kill. None of the arrows hit vital areas 
because the hunter does not want to damage the trophy. The ram is still 
alive, still standing as the minutes pass. Then a sixth arrow, shot at 
close range, strikes the animal in the gut. The ram falls but hangs on 
to life. Exasperated, the hunter borrows a rifle and finishes the job 
from a distance of four feet. ``Nice shooting,'' the guide says as the 
hunter admires the new trophy for his den.
  A tiger lunges peacefully under a tree on a game ranch and is 
unconcerned as men approach. Why should he be? He has been raised by 
human beings and is fed daily by them. The hunter, backed-up by armed 
game ranch employees in case something goes wrong, takes a shot and the 
tiger is hit. The tiger runs a short distance away and is shot again. 
He goes down and the hunter celebrates his trophy.
  These are the elements of canned hunting: Animals who have lost their 
natural fear of human beings and who could not escape if they tried; 
agonizing and lingering deaths because shots are not delivered to the 
head or chest in order to preserve the trophy; guaranteed kills and 
guaranteed trophies of even the most endangered species as long as the 
high price tag is paid.
  That people can participate in such animal cruelty is reprehensible. 
That magnificent animals who were once in wildlife parks or petting 
zoos end up as trophies is outrageous. Those who breed exotic animals 
for public or private enjoyment have a responsibility to provide 
humane, lifelong care for these animals. Disposing of them with dealers 
or at animal auctions creates a steady supply of victims for the canned 
hunt. Exotic animal breeders can no longer claim innocence or lack of 
responsibility for the fate of these animals.
  The travesty of canned hunting must end. I call on the humane 
community, the zoo community and other breeders, and legitimate 
sportsmen and women to support the Captive Exotic Animal Protection Act 
of 1994 and to work for its enactment.

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