Featured 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. 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.
