You can comment to Warden Todd Anderson here: http://fwp.mt.gov/doingBusiness/contactUs/direct.aspx?id=5483598
Carole's letter:
Studying a captive cougar will tell you nothing about wild cougar behavior. This is obviously a ploy to convince you to let Erika Phillips have a pet cougar. If she really wants to study wild cats there are sanctuaries full of them all over the country after people like her get tired of taking care of them.
You can tell plenty about the people who want to own wild animals at http://www.911animalabuse.com/00abusers/exoticownerprofile.htm
The following is a partial listing (581) of incidents in the U.S. involving captive exotic cats since 1990. The U.S. incidents have resulted in the deaths of 21 humans, 16 adults and 5 children, the additional mauling of 191 more adults and children, 170 escapes, the killing of 92 big cats, and 122 confiscations. These figures only represent the headlines that Big Cat Rescue has been able to track. Because there is no reporting agency that keeps such records the actual numbers are certainly much higher. http://bigcatrescue.org/big_cat_news.htm
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
February 26, 2009
Woman hopes to possess captive lion, seeks permit
HELENA (AP) — A woman described as an “animal behaviorist” is seeking a state permit to possess a mountain lion on rural property about 30 miles south of Miles City.
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks is taking public comment on the request by Erika Phillips. She wants to keep one mountain lion on property enclosed in a way intended to prevent escape by digging or climbing, according to the agency.
FWP Warden Todd Anderson said it is his understanding that Phillips wants to study lion behavior. Phillips did not immediately return an Associated Press phone call Thursday. The Controversial Canine, a Web site with her biography and contact information, describes Phillips as an “international animal behaviorist and natural health practitioner” who has bred dogs and works in many aspects of animal care.
If she is permitted to keep a lion, it must be one bred in captivity. Possessing a wild lion is illegal.
Anderson said the lone public comment received so far came from a person concerned about human safety. A decision on whether to issue the permit will be released sometime after the comment deadline of March 6.
Phillips is seeking a wild animal menagerie permit, a classification that would not allow making the lion a public attraction. Fish, Wildlife and Parks also administers roadside menagerie permits, sought by people who wish to draw business by exhibiting animals.
Phillips has proposed building an outdoor lion enclosure 60 feet by 30 feet and a wooden house 16 feet by 16 feet. With proper cleaning of the living space and proper food storage, it is unlikely wild lions would be attracted, according to an environmental assessment Anderson prepared.
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20090226/NEWS01/90226016/1001/NEWS
—
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
SaveTheBigCats@gmail.com
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be
confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby
notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of
the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The
recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of
viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused
by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
