UPDATE to the post-Now 1685 messages have been sent from Cavalry Group-Many more needed to be sent-Get on the bandwagon NOW go to the link below and send your message-share this blog post so that others might understand the importance of this opposition (See the video of Big Cat Rescues 20 year plan from BCR Watch) This bill passes and you can count on EXTENSION occurring in your lifetime.
Immediate Action is needed!!!Sending your message could not more IMPORTANT or be any simpler-details below.
If you want to be able to have free choice to see animals, it is imperative that you follow the link to send your message to you congressman. This bill is more than just stopping circus animals and based on untruthful information provided by HSUS who found a sponsor for the bill-Remember the names connected to this very BAD Bill come election time-There is a large number of animal owners in this country who will be against this bill. Be sure to SHARE this message.
Big Cat Rescue’s (BCR) educational program is not concerned with conservation but instead involved in working with PETA to stop preforming animals claiming that circus animals are doing unnatural behaviors jumping, laying, sitting and reaching on command as an unnatural behavior. Celebrating along side PETA over the recent announcement for the plan to close of Ringling Bros Circus-The most un-American form of political ‘purpose’ would be to promote or change how a US business conducts business when it complies within the standards of federal law USDA/APHIS. This BAD Bill dictates control over private citizens, denies their ability to work with current standards of the law as enforced by the USDA/APHIS government agency, denies animal owners their right to interact with their animals, denies all zoos from interaction with animals and exempts private NFP organizations and it’s members with implications concerning RICO and AETA. All interference with any animal business is a punishable crime under the Animal Enterprise Terrorist Act-HSUS, PETA, ASPCA, ALDF, and all other organizations and facilities such as BCR, Black Pine, and numerous others that stake a ‘claim of rescue’ who participate in such action subject to violation of AETA.
Carole Baskin, ceo Big Cat Rescue has posted a 911 animal abuse site and should face a violation of AETA which is BOTH a CRIMINAL and CIVIL offense that the FBI is ignoring when it should be enforcing. That’s not to say that it won’t be investigated and then charged in the future as the problem escalates with fake complaints to various government agencies and businesses that host special events. There is a huge economic loss with such attacks on private for profit businesses. Big Cat rescue and the 20 year plan
Extremely political with little to no conservation effort-Big Cat Rescue proclaims itself superior to all places that house Big Cats when it’s one of the worst-Some refer to as ‘Hell on Earth’ and a far cry from Eden for the animals caged at that facility doomed for life. BCR claims to be accredited-Certainly NOT from GFAS they are an unverified member…No such accreditation exists or ever existed. No lawmaker should consider any law that BCR supports.
This bill, and others, are supported and pushed through the use of lobbyists, creates an issue with the Johnson Amendment. Violations of the Johnson Amendment can led to a loss of NPF 501-c-3 status.
To date from 2014 to present, BCR has spent $200,000.00 for a lobbyist in Washington, DC-Time to drain the swamp and time to remove BCR and all it’s employees from it’s 501-c-3 current status and to be denied from ever having that status again.
Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue is promoting for change in Wisconsin laws; Jeff Kozlowski CEO is a convicted felon/Bank Robber and shouldn’t be allowed to work within a NFP 501-c-3 organization in the first place thus less have any influence with BAD Bills and seek law changes-The Bank Robber is not allowed to vote or own a gun so how is it possible for him to be in charge of exotic animals. Jeff Kozlowski is living on the property of the facility with his family including 2 young children and uses the money donated for the care of animals to support his family. Jeff Kozlowski was sited by the USDA/APHIS for putting a worker in harms way. Jeff Kozlowski has never hand proper training for the business involved concerning the business of the facility or proper care of any exotic animal-He is licensed as an exhibitor and not considered a sanctuary by anyone’s standards. Kozlowski is not exempt from this BAD Bill.
There are numerous other facilities involved in the destruction of private exotic animal ownership who themselves are private owners and will not be exempt by this BAD Bill.
The remainder of the circus industry would be wiped out with the passing of *H.R. 6342. If passed, this legislation will destroy the conservation of endangered species in human care. Click here to read the exact text of the bill.
This bill, if signed into law, would prohibit the exhibition of exotic animals in traveling performances. This is a measure that would deprive countless Americans the ability to experience endangered animals up close such as elephants and tigers. The ability to encounter such a majestic creature fosters a love of wildlife in children that lasts a lifetime.
There is language in the TEAPSPA that will outlaw the breeding of exotic animals, which in turn can and will affect endangered species negatively. Zoos, aquariums, and private owners are responsible for the conservation and reintroduction of many endangered animals including but not limited to the Scimitar-horned Oryx, the Przewalski’s horse, and the California Condor. Without the tireless efforts of zookeepers these animals would be extinct in the wild. H.R. 6342 will send these animals to sanctuaries where they will be managed to extinction instead of being preserved.
Environmental stewardship is at the forefront of keeping animals in human care, whether they be endangered or not. Education outreach done by zoos and aquariums teaches the public the importance of saving wildlife and their habitats. TEAPSPA will hinder that by beginning to whittle away that slowly over time by removing the wonder people experience by seeing animals up close and in person.
TAKE ACTION to send letters to your U.S. Representative and Senators to OPPOSE TEAPSPA now!
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Follow this link and fill in the blanks-Hit send your message-Review then Send This could not be easier and will cost you nothing!!!
Disclaimer connected to this blog…Things said are of my opinion and the opinions of others…Stay tuned -B
*Taking a look at H. R. 6342 with some Blogger rebuttal notes-Mr. Grijalva and Mr. Costello could not be any more gullible (believing lies from vegan based homegrown Fanatical Animal Rights Terrorists) and forget the commitment to US citizens of the US Constitution and it’s Amendments. Congress has a commitment to US citizens that are a priority that takes precedence. This is not just a BAD Bill but has a very dangerous agenda that has a far reaching economic impact. *References provided
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES November 17, 2016
Mr. Grijalva (for himself and Mr. Costello of Pennsylvania) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture
A BILL- To amend the Animal Welfare Act to restrict the use of exotic and wild animals in traveling performances.
1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act.2. Findings The Congress finds that—(1) conditions inherent to traveling performances, including constant travel, temporary and collapsible facilities, and the prolonged confinement and physical coercion of animals, subject exotic and wild animals to compromised welfare and chronic stress, and present public and worker health and safety risks not adequately addressed by current regulation;[Bloggers note: The claims of this bill has already been proven as false by veterinarians, scientists, owners and the general health of the animals themselves-Exotic Animals live longer, and are generally healthier than exotic animals in a different scenario; well socialized with continued attention paid to diet and exercise-the animals are NOT in constant confinement but instead are provided with temporary and collapsible facilities to provide the best of conditions as required by law (USDA/APHIS) when in travel and required to maintain proper facilities when not traveling; also required by AWA; both regulated and inspected regularly by USDA/APHIS. Well adjusted animals do NOT entertain any stress and no member of the public or worker is at risk of a public safety issue which is already addressed and monitored by the federal government agency USDA/APHIS as well as OSHA for the concern of workers and public safety. *See USDA/APHIS regulation guide for all USDA/APHIS permit holders and while all must adhere to the regulations, this BAD Bill is an over step of government into small and large businesses-all must adhere to the same laws and are to be held to the same standards which sadly, the agency has demonstrated it has no concern of all NFP facilities. For a facility to be NFP means it is a charity and merely a tax rating having nothing to do with the standards of the facility or the care provided to the animals held at a facility. ALL facilities must be held to the same letter of the law if the laws and regulations are to be respected and enforced.The traveling exhibitor has to maintain two separate standards as dictated by the USDA/APHIS-Both proper facilities while traveling and exhibiting and permanent facilities for the animals when not traveling and/or exhibiting.]Substandard conditions at facilities speaks volumes for the improper enforcement standards of federal inspectors of the USDA/APHIS inspectors.Improper feeding procedure and supervision was sited at Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue, CEO Jeff Kozlowski which strongly indicates the lack of proper training of a facility owner and workers at the facility. WBCR was deemed responsible for a sever accident that occurred there by USDA/APHIS accident investigation. ______________________(2) Current regulatory oversight of traveling performances is complex and costly, and these costs are not typically recouped via licensing fees, but are left to the American taxpayer;[Bloggers note: The US Constitution and the Amendments to the Constitution are created for the protection of US citizens-The Animal Welfare Act like no other, is actually illegal and unconstitutional which has never been addressed-This BAD Bill is also unconstitutional by denying the rights of private owners and giving the rights of ownership to only members of two PRIVATE organizations that are not affiliated with any government agency. The AWA was created with the assumption the animal owners are abusers of animals and businesses using animals would then be required to purchase a license through the USDA to work within the strict APHIS regulations of the act as well as to be subjected to unannounced inspections. Any and ALL complaints would also require unannounced inspections. Vegan based homegrown Fanatical Animal Rights Terrorists have used the Animal Welfare Act and these monitoring agencies to file a barrage of complaints which would then require extra inspections beyond the norm. Cost of the extra inspections would then make monitoring them to become a taxpayer burden through the mis-use of a very liberal complaint system-even when there is no reason to file such complaints ever existed-False reporting of complaints goes by unpunished. The very same Fanatical Animal Rights Terrorist Organizations which includes Big Cat Rescue, and other facilities also encourages complaints to agencies and to the businesses where a performance is to take place (in violation with the Animal Enterprise Terrorist Act.) Large rescues affiliated with vegan based Animal Rights Extremist Terrorist Organizations such as HSUS, PETA. ASPCA ,ALDF and others all promote similarly; all against preforming animals and against the keeping of exotic animals. Against any relationship between humans and animals. Ultimately “One generation and out.”-Wayne Pacelle, ceo HSUS] HSUS is at the heart of the vegan based homegrown Animal Rights Extremist/Terrorist Organizations-All these organizations are affiliated and offer support to each other with very little money going to animal care but instead political in nature. Each contributing to each other to further the Animal Rights agenda-Careful who you donate toHoward Baskin of BCR proudly standing next to a poster at the HSUS annual convention, Taking Action for Animals, where each year, they donate to be Diamond Sponsors of the convention from money collected for animal care to promote their anti-animal agenda. Note: BCR is no more than a substandard roadside zoo and license by FL and the USDA as a private exhibitor; open to the public; available for tours and private events 24/7.Big Cat Rescue lobbying efforts listed as public information 2014-2016. This is a breach of the Johnson Amendment along with numerous violations by BCR from a highly political agenda against private exotic animal ownership._____________________(3) The frequent mobility of traveling performances complicates oversight such that agencies and authorities cannot properly monitor, evaluate, or follow through regarding the condition of animals or facilities, or their history of potential injuries, incidents, illnesses, violations, or other issues, and so cannot properly protect animals, workers, or the public;[Bloggers Note: As a retired professional travel exhibitor of exotic animals for more than 2 decades, now retired, can attest to excessive monitoring and inspections. Vet care and inspections are both required at home facilities and times when traveling. I never had any problem finding vets in any area where vet care became necessary or for a general health inspection required for travel through or into some states-NEVER. Animals in travel are basically in an isolated/quarantined status from other animals, rarely get sick and demonstrates that these animals are NOT stressed or subjected to excessive confinement. The performance demonstrates the muscle condition and agility of these animals which would not be possible if improperly confined for long periods of time.]__________________(4) Traveling exotic and wild animal performances use collapsible, temporary, mobile facilities, which risk escape and serious harm to animals, workers, and the public;[Bloggers note: Rarely has there been any recorded escapes in recent history. No one has ever died in such instance with the exception of a tiger escape at an AZA Zoo-If anything, a tighter control and monitoring needs to be done at AZA Zoos and all sanctuaries whose owners may not be properly trained for the care and welfare of such animals especially if those facilities are not open to the public and therefore would not require federal licensing or inspections by any federal agency; USDA/APHIS and OSHA. GFAS facilities are a major problem of escapes and/or workers hurt and/or killed-GFAS facilities are stationary, have a greater list of incident list for worker deaths which poses a possible greater threat to public and worker safety-NOT traveling exhibitors.] Important reference:https://topcatsroar.wordpress.com/2013/10/06/zoo-wars-taking-a-good-long-look-at-carole-baskin-ceo-big-cat-rescuebcrwildlife-on-easy-street/___________________(5) Traveling exotic and wild animal performances present safety risks by permitting or not preventing public contact and by displaying animals in inappropriate, uncontrolled areas in dangerous proximity to humans and other animals;[Bloggers note: Previously addressed –For the most part there have been few escapes and there were no public safety issues when it has occurred. All traveling exhibitors have a required safety plan in place. Owners with performing animals are required to maintain safe traveling conditions as well as a facility to provide for the animals when not traveling which dispels the myth that the animals are not well provided for. Traveling exhibitors are always prepared and capable of evacuation from any emergency at any time while sanctuaries and some zoos are totally unprepared with large numbers of animals and instead remain in place endangering the lives of animals as well as workers and people in the general vicinity of the facility. Time and time again we saw the threat from fires in CA. Paws and Forever Wild remained in place. Forever Wild was only capable of removing some of the smaller animals that could be transported in plastic kennels. The big cats and others particularly sensitive to smoke had to remain in place.]___________________(6) Exotic and wild animals have intrinsic value; their wild instincts and needs are unpredictable and are not naturally suited to traveling performances, and they suffer as a result of being unable to fulfill instinctive natural behaviors;[Bloggers note: It is impossible to train any animal to do the impossible-All behaviors a demonstration of behaviors that they would do in the wild…jump, sit-up, lay down, roll over, etc.-The ‘trick’ is to get them to do so on command. The animals in a sanctuary situation loose their intrinsic value with more wild and unpredictable behaviors as no one is providing contact with the animals or providing any challenge. If any animals suffer in captivity, it would be at a GFAS sanctuary. Big Cat Rescue, an unverified GFAS facility, is an example with old rusty cages and with no plan for using money accumulated to update the cages. Instead money collected for animal care is being used for political purposes rather than to meet the needs of the animals. The IRS has been lax in investigating and monitoring 501-c-3 Not for Profit organizations. BCR food source and vet care is low cost if not entirely free just as it is for other NFP zoos and sanctuaries. Under the Johnson Amendment, no charity, 501-c-3 Not for Profit business is to be politically tied using funds for political purposes-BCR stands alone paying a lobbyist in 2016 a documented whopping $80,000.00 and the two previous years was a whopping $60,000.00 for each previous year Mounting a lobbying situation of $200,00.00. BCR also donated to HSUS a total of $10,000.00 per year for numerous years and to other politically orientated people or groups. To take animal ownership from viable for Profit businesses that provide over and beyond the care provided by a sanctuary would mean extinction in captivity as these sanctuaries are committed to S/N the animals to stop all breeding. Captivity is necessary as the number of these animals existing in the wild dwindles from the imprint of mans presence in the wild. These Not for Profit 501-c-3 must be held to the letter of the law. GFAS, HSUS, PETA, ASPCA and others including facilities where animals are held (Big Cat Rescue is a 501-c-3, Not for Profit facility, is just one example of the use of funds for political purposes.) are actively involved in creating US laws and regulations with the use of funds collected for animal care. All promote S/N to allow the animals to go extinct.]This cat continued to suffer at BCR. No attention was paid to the ruffled fur which is an indication that a cat is terribly sick-Finally receiving necessary care only after a customer posted on Yelp of his condition. Since that time the cat died.Jumping is a natural behavior. Like any athlete, the animal must be in good physical condition to preform a task. Note the trainer must trust the tiger to do the task without presenting harm to himself or the other animals in the cage. PETA celebrates as Ringling Brothers Circus announced that they will be closing their business due to poor ticket sales, over regulation and laws changing concerning animal usage which interferes with their ability to conduct business. Economic impact was ignored by lawmakers. All laws concerning animals illegal and unconstitutional including this BAD Bill.] ___________________(7) Exotic and wild animals used in traveling performances suffer severe and extended confinement, and, deprived of natural movements and behaviors, are prone to chronic stress, behavioral, health, and psychological problems;[Bloggers note: This is just a repeat and previously addressed. Fact, show animals are provided for better than in any other situation. The proof being that the life-span of traveling animals far exceeds those living in a sanctuary. Privately owned animals also have a far superior life expectancy with human contact and established relationship between owner and animal. Big Cat Rescue being the example of a ‘typical sanctuary’ has the highest death rate and sick animals than other facilities with animals arriving with healthy vet checks and allowed for travel to the facility. The high death rate of unknown causes at BCR indicates a lack of proper vet care, proper diet and sever stress. The deaths of those, animals is well published and money continues to be collected off the back of an animal that has died there. More than 180 exotic cats have died at Big Cat Rescue and their body parts are on display in their party room.]Animal parts on display at Big Cat Rescue in the ‘party room’-an animal that has been used for promotion for funds at this facility-numerous deaths occur each year of unknown cause. It is believed that once an animal has lost it’s usefulness of public interest for the collection of donations, will soon to be added to the display.Signage directing traffic to Big Cat Rescue which in reality is a FL Roadside Zoo that offers very little to no conservation efforts with the tours offered 24/7 but instead promotes the taking of animals from longstanding, legal and rightful owners in support of this BAD Bill and others as ALL private ownership is invaded with new illegal and unconstitutional laws and regulations to take animals (property).__________________(8) Exotic and wild animals are forced to perform unnatural tricks requiring extreme physical coercion, including, but not limited to the use of food and water restrictions, electric shock devices, bullhooks, metal bars, whips, shovels, and pitchforks, among other abuses;[Bloggers note: BCR uses prods and possibly shock equipment for moving animals. If BCR is considered the ‘norm’ for a sanctuary, then it can be assumed that all sanctuaries and facilities taking animals with a claim of animal rescue seeking donations do the same. Never have I witnessed any abuse of the named items on preforming animals. Animals on tour must be in prime condition as show animals and the use of such devises would be forbidden by the animal owner. Animals happily go to the performance area and demonstrate what comes natural for them.]______________________(9) It is not necessary to use exotic or wild animals in traveling performances to experience the circus or similar events;[Bloggers note: Exotic animals have always been used as part of the circus experience for both entertainment and educational value; it is a valued part of circus tradition. The use of these animals is of great value in communities where they might never have an opportunity to see and learn about the animals.]_______________________(10) Using exotic or wild animals as commodities traded for traveling performances adds nothing to the understanding and conservation of such animals and the natural environment, and actually undermines conservation efforts necessary to protect threatened and endangered species;[Bloggers note: Conservation for the protection of the animals in the wild is stressed by all traveling exhibitors. Certainly a sanctuary situation, especially if not open to the public which is required to become a verified GFAS facility where they are never inspected by any federal agency, owners untrained present a poor example of a proper facility and do not follow the regulations of the Animal Welfare Act because it is not required without a permit from the USDA/APHIS. The conditions at BCR are questionable as it is built on a reclaimed landfill, with the animals provided water from the old retention pond. No extensive EPA research has been done to satisfy EPA regulations demonstrating that grounds of this facility as a possible public safety issue.]_______________________(11) It is not possible to provide or ensure public and worker safety or appropriate physical and mental welfare for exotic and wild animals under the traveling performance business model, which inherently and significantly restricts animals’ natural movements and behaviors, and where abuse is prevalent and oversight problematic;[Bloggers note: This was also previously addressed in other parts of this BAD Bill. And as previously stated the animals are only capable of natural behaviors. No abuse or oversight is prevalent or would be continually noted by the USDA/APHIS inspectors and already have been addressed by the USDA Inspector General. There are no excessive deaths of animals that are conditioned to traveling but instead there are numerous and excessive deaths at the example GFAS unverified sanctuary. Big Cat Rescue and others is being used by this Blogger as an example of where animals would possibly be placed if this BAD Bill is passed with a current number of animal deaths greater than any other US facility.]________________________(12) The use of exotic or wild animals in traveling performances is or substantially affects interstate or foreign commerce, or the free flow thereof; it is essential to regulate such activities to assure animals’ humane care and treatment; and[Bloggers note: Each state has requirements for animals entering their state whether just traveling through or performing. Ironically, facilities claiming rescue are not held to the letter of the law when transporting animals is necessary. Traveling exhibitors are required to provide windows for light and vents for fresh air. NFP facilities claiming rescue have been caught and witnessed by USDA/APHIS inspectors although not noted on any inspection form as would be required. The use of improper equipment to transfer animals to a NFP facility should not be allowed and always noted on transfer forms yet those USDA/APHIS inspectors are not following proper enforcement procedures where all laws and regulations from facility to facility are to be treated equally. No traveling exhibitor would ever enter a state without doing proper research on the requirements of that state.]________________________(13) Restricting the use of exotic and wild animals in traveling performances is the most cost-effective and efficient way to safeguard animals, workers, and the public.[Bloggers note: Stopping traveling exhibitors has a far reaching economic impact and destructive to conservation efforts of the traveling exhibitor. Rather than stopping a private exotic animal owner; it would instead be wise to promote a traveling exotic exhibitor]__________________________[No further Blogger notes necessary as the bill is already destroyed with actual facts contained in my blogger notes-Reference links included below. Please note that this BAD Bill also includes stationary facilities but excludes GFAS and AZA zoos-This is a RICO issue as no private business Not for Profit or otherwise, is to hold a monopoly over US citizens-AETA is also violated with the creation of this BAD Bill which should be rejected based on those two federal acts both Criminal and Civil offense-Anyone submitting any BAD Bills, promoting BAD Bills or any state with such acknowledgement included in their laws can be both Criminal and Civilly sued by anyone effected with the creation of the BAD Bill and Laws-This is a very serious offense that should be noted by lawmakers and the IRS division that issues and enforces 501-c-3 Not for Profit organizations. ]____________________________3. Use of exotic or wild animals in traveling performances
Section 13 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2143) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(I)(1) No person shall cause a performance of, or allow for the participation of, an exotic animal or wild animal in a traveling animal act.(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the use of an exotic animal or wild animal—
(A) In an exhibition at a nonmobile, permanent institution, facility, zoo, or aquarium accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums or the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, or a wildlife sanctuary;(B) As part of an environmental education program by a facility accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, if the animal used for such purposes is not so used for more than 6 months in any year and is not kept in a mobile or traveling housing facility for more than 12 hours in any day;(C) By a university, college, laboratory, or other research facility registered with the Secretary pursuant to section 6 for the purpose of conducting research;(D) On film, television, or advertising, if such use does not involve a live animal exhibition conducted before a public studio audience; or(E) In a rodeo.(3) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to domestic animals or farm animals.(4) For the purposes of this subsection:
(A) Cause a performance
The term cause a performance means to be responsible for a performance, to financially benefit as an owner or operator from a performance, or to sponsor a performance.
(B) Domestic animal
The term domestic animal means any animal that is normally maintained as a companion or pet animal in or near the household of the owner or person who cares for the animal, such as a domestic dog (including a service dog), domestic cat, ferret, gerbil, horse, mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, or hamster, but does not include any exotic animal or wild animal.
(C) Environmental education program
The term environmental education program means an animal exhibition that is professionally designed to impart knowledge or information for educational or conservation purposes about that animal’s natural behavior, habitat, life cycle, or similar pedagogical information, conducted by an individual qualified to impart such information, which does not include any performance of behavior that does not naturally occur for that animal in the wild state.
(D) Exotic animal
The term exotic animal means any animal that is not a domestic animal or farm animal, that is native to a foreign country or of foreign origin or character, is not native to the United States, or was introduced from abroad, whether wild-born or captive-bred, and any hybrid of such an animal, including hybrid crosses with a domestic animal or farm animal, including but not limited to animals such as—
The term farm animal means any domestic species of alpacas, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, llamas, poultry, or horses, which are normally and have historically, been kept and raised on farms in the United States, and used or intended for use as food or fiber, or for improving animal nutrition, breeding, management, or production efficiency, or for improving the quality of food or fiber. This term also includes animals such as rabbits, mink, and chinchilla, when they are used solely for purposes of meat or fur, and animals such as horses and llamas when used solely as work and pack animals. The term does not include exotic animals or wild animals.
(F) Mobile or traveling housing facility
The term mobile or traveling housing facility means a transporting vehicle such as a truck, car, trailer, airplane, ship, or railway car, used to transport or house animals while traveling to, from, or between locations for performance purposes.
(G) Performance
The term performance means any animal act, circus, ride, carnival, parade, race, performance, or similar undertaking in which animals are required to perform tricks, give rides, or participate as accompaniments for the entertainment, amusement, or benefit of an audience.
(H) Traveling animal act
The term traveling animal act means any performance of animals where such animals are transported to, from, or between locations for the purpose of such performance, in a mobile or traveling housing facility.
(I) Wild animal
The term wild animal means any animal that is not a domestic animal or farm animal, which is now or has historically been found in the wild or in the wild state, within the boundaries of the United States, its territories, or possessions, whether wild-born or captive-bred, and any hybrid of such an animal, including hybrid crosses with a domestic animal or farm animal, including but not limited to animals such as—
The term wildlife sanctuary means an organization described in sections 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) and 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code 1986 that does not—
(i) engage in commercial trade in any exotic or wild animal, including the sale of any animal, animal part or derivative, offspring, photographic opportunities, or public events for financial profit or any other entertainment purpose;(ii) breed any exotic or wild animal;(iii) permit unescorted public visitation;(iv) permit direct contact between the public and any exotic or wild animal; or(v) remove any exotic or wild animal from a sanctuary or enclosure for exhibition or performance.(5) A person who fails to comply with this subsection shall be subject to the enforcement and penalties provided for under sections 16, 19, and 29.
One Response to “Zoo Wars-Action Alert~Oppose HR 6342, TEAPSPA-UPDATE 1,685”
According to this bill, it would be okay for a circus or traveling animal act to employ dogs, horses, cows, alpacas, and llamas, as these -according to the act’s “definitions,” are considered native animals.
Funny thing, though, history tells us horses were introduced to the US from Europe and were NOT native animals. The Indians -or native Americans- did not have their ponies to ride until after the advent of the White Man from Europe. Most breeds of cows were also introduced from Europe, and it is a fact that alpacas and llamas originated in South America and were introduced to North America by travelers and traders in American history. Most breeds of “domestic” dogs and cats also are of European or Asian origin. Yet if it appears in a bill it must be true, right?
Sorry, Mrs. Ivaniclause, your elementary school history lessons were a lie, exposed by the creative thinking of HSUS and Big Cat Rescue, who obviously know more than you ever did.
The remainder of the circus industry would be wiped out with the passing of *H.R. 6342. If passed, this legislation will destroy the conservation of endangered species in human care. Click here to read the exact text of the bill.
Substandard conditions at facilities speaks volumes for the improper enforcement standards of federal inspectors of the USDA/APHIS inspectors.
Improper feeding procedure and supervision was sited at Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue, CEO Jeff Kozlowski which strongly indicates the lack of proper training of a facility owner and workers at the facility. WBCR was deemed responsible for a sever accident that occurred there by USDA/APHIS accident investigation. 
Big Cat Rescue lobbying efforts listed as public information 2014-2016. This is a breach of the Johnson Amendment along with numerous violations by BCR from a highly political agenda against private exotic animal ownership.
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Jumping is a natural behavior. Like any athlete, the animal must be in good physical condition to preform a task. Note the trainer must trust the tiger to do the task without presenting harm to himself or the other animals in the cage. 
Top Cats Roar... 
According to this bill, it would be okay for a circus or traveling animal act to employ dogs, horses, cows, alpacas, and llamas, as these -according to the act’s “definitions,” are considered native animals.
Funny thing, though, history tells us horses were introduced to the US from Europe and were NOT native animals. The Indians -or native Americans- did not have their ponies to ride until after the advent of the White Man from Europe. Most breeds of cows were also introduced from Europe, and it is a fact that alpacas and llamas originated in South America and were introduced to North America by travelers and traders in American history. Most breeds of “domestic” dogs and cats also are of European or Asian origin. Yet if it appears in a bill it must be true, right?
Sorry, Mrs. Ivaniclause, your elementary school history lessons were a lie, exposed by the creative thinking of HSUS and Big Cat Rescue, who obviously know more than you ever did.