Update: This bill failed to pass before the end of the 113th Congress.
Bill description:
This bill would amend the Captive Wildlife Safety Act to prohibit the private possession and breeding of big cats. There are exemptions for larger, well-regulated facilities such as AZA-accredited zoos, wildlife sanctuaries that do not breed or allow public handling of the animals, wildlife rehabilitators, state colleges and universities, and select traveling circuses that are in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act. Anyone who currently owns a big cat would be allowed to keep the animal, but would need to register him or her with the USDA.[teaserbreak]
Background:
Check out our exotic pets page and our database of exotic pet incidents for more info on why private possession of big cats is a major threat to animal welfare and public safety.