A Big Cat Bill Propelled by ‘Tiger King’ May Come Into Law
Legislation to restrict the private ownership of big cats is expected to pass the House this week and has a distinct possibility to become law. The bill gained increased traction recently due to the Netflix series “Tiger King,” which brought attention to the issue and one of the legislation’s top advocates, Carole Baskin.
Baskin, founder and CEO of Florida rescue facility Big Cat Rescue, has frequently been spotted on Capitol Hill lobbying for the bill, meeting with dozens of lawmakers and key staff. Animal welfare lobbyist Marty Irby, who is also executive director of Animal Wellness Action, said that the bill now stands the best shot that it’s ever had.
“One of the key elements is that it’s not just an animal issue. It’s really a public safety issue,” Irby said.
