2009-10 Federal Legislation
Born Free USA tracks bills that apply to any of our campaigns as well as other animal issues. Each bill is summarized, along with our position ("support" or "oppose") and what you can do. You can quickly see if your Representatives or Senators support the bill by clicking on the links provided to the cosponsors at the Library of Congress site, thomas.loc.gov.
H.R. 80 Captive Primate Safety Act
Purpose: The Lacey Act Amendments bar the interstate and foreign commerce of dangerous exotic animals — including lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, and cougars — for use as “pets.” This bill would add nonhuman primates to this list of prohibited species. The bill would not ban all private ownership of primates; rather, it would outlaw the commerce of these animals for use as “pets.”
H.R. 81 Shark Conservation Act of 2009
Purpose: This bill would significantly strengthen the U.S. shark finning ban by requiring fins to be naturally attached to any shark landed by any vessel within the United States and its territories. This legislation also would require that other countries implement comparable regulations or face the possibility of U.S. sanctions.
H.R. 305 Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2009
Purpose: This bill would prohibit the transportation of horses in interstate transportation in “double deck” trailers.
H.R. 388 Crane Conservation Act of 2009
Purpose: This bill would further the global efforts to protect crane populations by setting up the Crane Conservation Fund. As such, H.R. 388 would provide a permanent source of funding for projects in regions of North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa where cranes are endangered.
H.R. 411 Great Cats and Rare Canids Act of 2009
Purpose: This bill would assist in the conservation of rare canids and rare felids. Financial resources would be provided to conservation programs in nations within the range of these animals' populations, and funding would be provided to those with demonstrated expertise in protecting these animals.
H.R. 503 Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2009
Purpose: This bill would prohibit the trade and transport of live horses intended for human consumption.
H.R. 843 Marine Mammal Protection Act
Purpose: The Marine Mammal Protection Act includes a goal to eliminate the unintended deaths of marine mammals by individuals fishing for other animals. This bill would eliminate that goal, and instead set a goal for the number of marine mammal deaths caused by commercial fishing.
H.R. 844 Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Amendments
Purpose: H.R. 844 increases funding for rescuing stranded or entangled marine animals. Previous funding was limited to stranded animals.
