The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation's largest animal welfare organization, today issued the following statement from Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO, on the shooting of a 425-pound tiger in Ventura County, California:
Like most Americans, The HSUS is saddened by today's tragic end for a tiger who had been roaming the Simi Valley for two weeks. The blame, however, should rest not with the state and county officials who were forced to shoot the wayward animal, but with the people responsible for breeding, selling, and buying exotic cats. These people not only put the animals in danger, but also people who live in the communities where wild animals may get loose or be released.
It's estimated that there are more than 5,000 tigers in private hands in the United States – a number exceeding the total wild population. These animals can be purchased for a few hundred dollars, the same price as a purebred puppy. Often they are declawed, defanged, and kept in cramped cages in people's basements or backyards, or in pitiful roadside menageries where they are on display for commercial profit.
The private ownership of tigers and other exotic wildlife is not only inhumane, but also poses a serious threat to public health and safety. In the last year alone, there were four human fatalities and at least 40 people injured by captive big cats.
Even if the tiger had been captured alive there would not be many options for the animal's future well-being, as most accredited zoos and reputable animal care sanctuaries are filled to capacity. There is a national epidemic with big cats in this country, and not enough professional caregivers for them all. Often the animals end up at poor facilities and right back in the cycle of breeding, exploitation, and adding to the exotic animal trade.
While 20 states ban the private ownership of tigers, it is legal in nearly 30 states to buy and keep a tiger as a "pet." In December 2003, the U.S. Congress spoke with a unanimous voice in passing legislation to halt the interstate pet trade involving big cats. It is past time that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service adopt rules to see that the law is enforced in a vigorous manner. There are Internet sites that are still advertising the sale of big cats as pets and the animals are being sold at exotic animal auctions, and this circumstance is entirely unacceptable – especially given that the Congress passed the law more than 14 months ago.
Now is the time to crack down on the breeding and sale of tigers and other big cats for the pet trade, to protect the animals' welfare and the safety of our communities.
