Interview with Owner of Lions, Tigers & Bears, an Exotic Animal Rescue Organization

How important is it to have political support for your projects?

We have a very good relationship with our local County officials, as well as with CA Fish and Wildlife Department and Department of Customs and Border Protection. Our local Senator is also very supportive of the work we do saving animal’s lives. Getting our local and regional Congressmen and women on board to help support legislation is important to making headway in the overall exotic animal industry in this county…(Permitting)

What legislations are you actively involved in trying to make a difference.
Where can the average person help?

The Big Cat and Public Safety Protection Act (HR 1998/ S 1381) is a federal bill that was sent to a Congressional Committee on July 29, 2014. Thus far there have been 114 co-signers on the bill. Passing this bill would mean that captive big cats – lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, etc – do not threaten public safety, diminish global conservation efforts, or end up living in deplorable conditions. The average person is exactly how this important piece of legislation has a chance of being passed. People should write to their senators and representatives urging them to co-sign this bill and also share with family and friends to do the same.

Another piece of legislation I’ve been actively engaged with is Ohio SB 310. Ohio SB 310 is a bill that was passed by the Ohio Senate and went into full effect on January 1, 2014. This bill enacted laws regulating the private ownership of exotic animals within the state of Ohio. Persons in possession of inherently dangerous wild animals – including lions, tigers and bears – are required to obtain a permit from the state, secure insurance, microchip their animals, spay/neuter animals, and meet specific caging standards.