Joe Biden likely to sign bill to end roadside zoos, private ownership of big cats; see details

US President Joe Biden is expected to sign a bill that aims to end cruel roadside zoos. Once signed by the President, it will put an end to owners of roadside zoos and private breeders in the US while ensuring that only certified zoos and universities can hold lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, and other large cats.

The US Senate passed the bill this week while the House of Representatives cast their votes in July for the Big Cat Public Safety Act.

Many conservative groups have backed the bill saying that members of the public often come under risk due to the abusive treatment of big cats in roadside zoos.


The executive director of the Animal Welfare Institute, Susan Millward, told the Guardian that the bill would end traumatised animals being used to make money.

She said no more cubs should be “traumatised for profit” as they’re ripped from their mother after birth.

According to an estimate from Animal welfare groups, less than 4000 tigers are left in the wild. However, almost double this number reside as pets in confined gardens and small zoos in the US.


Though the big cats will continue living with their owners after the new legislation, displays and zoos open to public visits must put up barriers to stop close contact with the animals.

After the captivity of cats was highlighted by 'Tiger King' in Joe Exotic’s roadside zoo in Oklahoma through the hugely popular Netflix documentary(2020), he has been charged with animal abuse and an attempted plot to kill Carole Baskin, the rival big cat owner.

FAQs:

1. Could a tiger live in the US?
   Yes, they can.
2. Are there tigers in Florida?
   Yes.