[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 206 (Monday, December 7, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                       BIG CAT PUBLIC SAFETY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 3, 2020

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, as an original sponsor and a senior 
Member of the House of Representatives, I rise in strong support of 
this bipartisan bill, H.R. 1380, the ``Big Cat Public Safety Act'', 
which ends the ownership of dangerous big cats as pets as well as 
prohibits exhibitors from allowing public contact with cubs.
  First and foremost, I would like to thank Congressman Mike Quigley 
for his leadership on this legislation.
  Across the country, thousands of big cats like tigers, lions, 
leopards, and pumas are kept in miserable, insecure, and unsafe 
conditions by irresponsible owners.
  These animals often come from a vicious cycle of breeding perpetuated 
by unscrupulous facilities looking to make a profit off of ``cub 
petting'' or photo opportunities.
  It is an issue that causes immeasurable animal suffering and 
introduces inexcusable threats to human safety.
  Big cats are wild animals and undoubtedly suffer when kept as pets.
  They are often purchased as babies, and private owners are typically 
unable to manage them once they are fully grown.
  As a result, the animals are frequently left to languish in grossly 
inadequate conditions, often being deprived of sufficient space, 
adequate veterinary care, a nutritious diet, and enrichment.
  Furthermore, it is common procedure for some roadside zoos to 
inhumanely separate babies from their mothers, so that they can charge 
the public to pet and play with the cubs.
  This is a cruel and unhealthy practice that can cause not only 
lifelong psychological problems but also premature death for the cubs.
  These young cats quickly outgrow their usefulness in the cub handling 
industry and most often end up being sent to substandard ``zoos,'' sold 
into the exotic pet trade, or possibly even killed and sold for parts.
  This vicious cycle of exploitation and constant breeding must be 
stopped.
  Currently, state laws regarding private ownership of big cats are 
inconsistent, and some states have few or no laws regarding the keeping 
of big cats.
  Madam Speaker, a uniform federal law is necessary to end this 
dangerous industry once and for all.
  The ``Big Cat Public Safety Act'' is a simple and straightforward 
solution to the devastating and growing crisis of negligent big cat 
breeding and ownership.
  According to Big Cat Rescue, there have been more than 700 dangerous 
incidents in the U.S. involving big cats since 1990.
  These incidents include hundreds of human injuries, maulings, and 
deaths.
  In many of these cases, the animals were shot and killed, often by 
first responders who are not equipped to deal with these situations, 
thereby also putting them in harm's way.
  Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have been a staunch advocate for 
protecting endangered species.
  Most recently, I introduced H.R. 4804, ``the ProTECT Act'', which 
amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 in order to prohibit the 
taking for a trophy of any endangered or threatened species of fish or 
wildlife in the United States and the importation of endangered and 
threatened species trophies into the United States.
  H.R. 4804 is an updated version of my bill from the 114th Congress, 
H.R. 3448, the ``Cecil the Lion Endangered and Threatened Species Act 
of 2015''.
  I was in Africa when the iconic Cecil the Lion, was murdered for 
sport.
  It was a disgraceful act that showcased a complete lack of respect 
for these wondrous animals, and it compelled me to fiercely advocate 
for the preservation of our wildlife across the world.
  Madam Speaker, today we have an important opportunity to once again 
come together and protect endangered species by passing H.R. 1380, the 
``Big Cat Public Safety Act''.
  For the safety of our first responders, of our community, and for 
these majestic animals, we need this vital piece of legislation.
  I am honored to be a leader on this issue, and so I urge my 
colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in voting for H.R. 
1380.

                          ____________________