Cat Laws
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about the abuse of captive wild cats. Your compassion for these animals is greatly appreciated. While Big Cat Rescue is no longer a sanctuary, we remain deeply committed to ending the suffering of wild cats in captivity and ensuring their protection in the wild. Below, I have provided steps and resources to help you address these situations effectively:
Contact PETA
PETA has been at the forefront of protecting wild animals from abuse in captivity. You can report incidents of abuse through their website at PETA Report Cruelty.
Report Abuse at All Levels
Abuse should be reported at federal, state, and local levels to ensure comprehensive action:
Federal: Report violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including public contact with big cats or their cubs (now illegal under the Big Cat Public Safety Act), to the USDA. Use this link to file a complaint: USDA Complaint Form.
State: Find your state’s wildlife agency by searching online with the phrase “[Your State] Department of Wildlife.”
Local: Contact your local animal control office by searching for “[Your County/City/Parish] Animal Control.”
If the Abuse is in a Foreign Country
Four Paws is a global leader in addressing wild animal abuse internationally. You can learn more and report issues through their website: Four Paws International.
Use Online Reviews to Deter Others
Leaving 1-star reviews on websites, social media, and review platforms for facilities neglecting or abusing their captive animals can discourage others from supporting them.
Thank you again for caring about these majestic creatures.
Take Action Now to End the Exploitation of Big Cats in Circus Acts
Hello, Big Cat Rescuers! 🐾
We've come a long way in our fight for the freedom and dignity of big cats, but the struggle is far from over. Today, we focus on an the below urgent issues that continue to tarnish our society: the abuse and exploitation of big cats, particularly tigers, in circus acts. We are calling on all of you to take immediate action on our alerts by sending a sample letter to decision-makers. Here’s why your participation is vital.
The Suffering Behind the Spotlight
The circus may seem like a place of wonder and excitement, but for big cats, it's a life of torment. Tigers and other big cats are often crammed into tiny, filthy cages and shipped from one location to another. Training methods include fear, intimidation, and sometimes physical abuse to make them perform unnatural acts. It’s an injustice that takes away the very essence of these majestic animals.
Be a Voice for the Voiceless
Decision-makers need to hear from us, the people who care about the wellbeing of big cats. Your letter can make a difference. Whether it’s local legislators or corporate sponsors of these circus acts, your words have power. It sends the message that the exploitation of tigers and other big cats is not entertainment—it's abuse.
Why Sample Letters Are Effective
We provide sample letters for you to use, and they are designed to be impactful. These letters hit all the key points in a concise manner and are a quick way for you to lend your voice to this cause. By choosing one or all of the links we provide, you contribute to a larger effort that can enact real change. Editing them to use your own words will just 10X their power!!!
Circus alert pages
Please ask the fairs and sponsors to go cage & cruelty free:
The most current situations are at the top of the list, so start there and do as many as you have time to do.
https://bigcatrescue.salsalabs.org/2024culpeppermerriweatherapril/index.html
https://bigcatrescue.salsalabs.org/2024shrinecircusbrianfranzenjan/index.html
https://bigcatrescue.salsalabs.org/2024loomisblaszikfranzenjan/index.html
https://bigcatrescue.salsalabs.org/kemmerer/index.html
Wildcats in the Wild; Our Mission - Their Future
Remember, we are all connected, bound by the same threads of life on Earth. The suffering of tigers and other big cats in circus acts impacts us all. We must come together and use our collective power to bring about a more compassionate world.
So, take a few minutes to follow the alerts and send those letters. Together, we can end the abuse of big cats in circus acts and other exploitative environments.
For the cats, Carole Baskin, Founder and CEO of Big Cat Rescue
#bigcatrescue #conservation #carolebaskin #tiger #circus #takeaction
