Private ownership of lions, tigers, leopards, and other big cats in the United States and globally creates severe welfare problems and public safety risks, with limited regulatory oversight.
Private big cat ownership creates welfare problems that are predictable and severe. Animals held in inadequate facilities cannot express predatory behavior, social interaction, or movement needs appropriate to their species. Cubs used in petting operations are removed from mothers at birth, subjected to continuous handling, and discarded into poorly regulated facilities when they become dangerous. Sanctuaries that provide genuine lifetime care are overwhelmed with animals from the private trade. Legislative progress through the Big Cat Public Safety Act is significant, but enforcement, the existing population of captive animals, and international gaps in regulation remain serious concerns.