WASHINGTON – The HSUS applauded the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee for passing legislation earlier today that cracks down on the burgeoning pet trade in exotic big cats. An estimated 10,000 to 15,000 exotic cats, such as lions and tigers, are kept as pets in the United States. The bill may now go to the full Senate for approval.

Senators James Jeffords (I-VT) and John Ensign (R-NV) introduced the legislation in January as S. 269, the Captive Wildlife Safety Act. Jeffords is the ranking member on the Environment and Public Works Committee and Ensign is a veterinarian. Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) scheduled the mark-up on the bill, and moved the legislation through his committee.

“Lions and tigers belong in the wild, not in someone's backyard or basement,” states Wayne Pacelle, a senior vice president for The Humane Society of the United States. “We are enormously grateful to Senators Jeffords and Ensign and committee chairman James Inhofe for moving this legislation forward. We look forward to final passage of the bill soon.”

“These cats are large and powerful animals, capable of injuring or killing innocent people,” stated Senator Jeffords. “There are countless stories of many unfortunate and unnecessary incidents where dangerous exotic cats have endangered public safety.”

“I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law, for the health and safety of exotic animals like tigers, leopards, and lions, and for the people who try to keep them as pets,” Ensign said. “Preventing the interstate transportation of such animals will, hopefully, end the practice once and for all.”

Companion legislation, H.R. 1006, introduced by Representatives Buck McKeon (R-CA) and George Miller (D-CA), passed the House Resources Committee two weeks ago.

The legislation is backed by dozens of groups, including The HSUS, Tippi Hedren’s Roar Foundation, the Fund for Animals, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, the Captive Wild Animal Protection Coalition, and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee also passed the Marine Turtle Conservation Act of 2003, a bill introduced by Senator Jeffords and backed by Chairman Inhofe. The HSUS also backs this important legislation.

The HSUS has more than seven million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The HSUS has protected all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation, education, advocacy and field work. The non-profit organization, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2004, is based in Washington, DC and has 10 regional offices across the country. For more information, visit The HSUS’ Web site – www.hsus.org.