New API Investigation Exposes Unregulated Private Ownership of Exotic “Pets”
(http://www.api4animals.org/a3b_exotic_pets.php)
; )
The Animal Protection Institute_ ;
(API) today released the results of an extensive investigation into the largely unregulated
private ownership of exotic wild animals kept as “pets” or used as “
attractions” at roadside zoos and menageries. The video footage and accompanying
report are the most thorough on record and expose disturbing evidence of a lack of
concern for public safety and animal welfare by both private owners and
federally-licensed facilities across the nation.
Throughout the summer and fall of 2005, API investigated private homes and
federally-licensed roadside zoos and menageries that housed exotic animals in
North Carolina, Ohio, and Washington — three states that currently have no
laws addressing the private ownership of such animals and their display at
roadside zoos. Major findings included:
· the widespread practice of organized “close
encounters” where the public pays to have direct contact with dangerous animals, a
violation of federal law
· reckless behavior, putting owners and others,
including children, in danger of attack
· an alarming number of previously unreported
injuries and attacks by exotic animals on owners and others
· poor care and treatment causing suffering and
distress to animals
· cruel and inappropriate treatment and handling of
exotic animals, including the bizarre spectacle of a “primate picnic” where
owners proudly displayed monkeys dressed in human baby clothes
· an apparent disregard of various provisions of
federal law by some facilities licensed by the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA)
“API’s investigation has shown that the few regulations on private
ownership of exotic animals that do exist fail to protect the public from the
dangers these animals pose, and do little to protect the welfare of the animals
themselves,” says Michelle Thew, Chief Executive Officer of API. “These exotic
wild animals do not belong in our homes or neighborhoods. Action has to be
taken now to put an end to the private ownership of exotic animals before
another tragedy occurs.”
API is a leader in the campaign to end the private ownership of exotic
animals and has played a key role in state and local efforts to prohibit the
possession of such animals. This ground-breaking investigation has been launched
at a crucial time, as the dangers posed by exotic animals continue to hit the
headlines and important legislative initiatives are currently being
introduced and debated in a number of key states.
The investigation includes the production of a DVD, full report, and
brochure. For more information, please visit _www.api4animals.org_
) .
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For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition here:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/344896451?ltl=1140270431
