Search
Close this search box.

Say No To Cub Petting

Thankfully, after years of advocating for passage of the Big Cat Public Safety Act, it is now illegal for the public to have contact with big cat cubs in the United States.

But enforcement can be difficult. If you’re ever offered the opportunity to pet a cub or have any free contact with a big cat, please report immediately to Jim Stinebaugh, USFWS Office of Law Enforcement by calling (281) 687-0682.

Sadly, exhibitors are already trying to find a way around this law by letting customers pose with cubs separated only by a piece of plexiglass.

Cub petting and photo opportunities are still rampant in other countries, especially for tourists in Mexico and South Africa.

The legislation that was passed in the United States was written specifically for big cats. But there are so many species of medium and smaller wild cats it doesn’t address. 

What’s the Answer?

Yes, we’ve made some progress here in the United States, but it’s up to us to continue educating our friends, family and media about the reality of exploiting wild animals for petting and photo sessions.

The majority of these animals have a very short shelf life for the exhibitor. What happens to them when they’re no longer small and able to be handled by the public?

What are their living conditions like when they’re not being exhibited?

Where do they eventually end up when they’re not making a profit for the exhibitor?

This is simply another insidious form of animal abuse the public is unaware of.  

What Can You Do?

Gently educate those who post photos of what they think is a great, cute experience. They simply don’t know the truth behind the experience.

Should you see a wild animal being used for photo/petting sessions in your town or at some of the tourist attractions you visit while on vacation, we hope you’ll remember the truth, don’t participate, and help raise awareness. 

 

For exhibitions you see in the United States, email your concerns or photos to the USDA at [email protected]

 

Contact your local, state and national representatives to let them know you do NOT support these exhibits. They often need to be educated, too. 

 

When the demand ends, so will those who profit by supplying these experiences. 

 

Together, let’s be their voice and put an end to wild animal interaction exhibits.

 

A huge thank you to John Gleim of HDMG for volunteering his time to produce this public service announcement for The Wildcat Sanctuary!

 Related article:  Cub Petting, Who pays the price?