Rob Bishop: “Public Law 108-191 made it illegal to buy, sell, or trade certain large exotic cats in interstate or foreign commerce.…”

“Public Law 108-191 made it illegal to buy, sell, or trade certain large exotic cats in interstate or foreign commerce. These include cheetahs, cougars, jaguars, leopards, lions, tigers, and bears, oh my. The measure did not ban the private ownership of these cats, and specific exemptions were provided for qualified aquariums, circuses, sanctuaries, and zoos. In the 5 years that this law has been enacted, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been unable to prosecute anyone because of drafting deficiencies; so, I would urge an ``aye'' vote on H.R. 4933.”