Model Regulations Using the LIOC-ESCF, Inc. Model for State Regulations This document represents over a year of group efforts to research and develop a useful model that can be presented to state legislatures, Game and Fish offices or if slightly modified, even county governments, as a blueprint and guideline to allow private participation in captive husbandry of wild felines. This document addresses the needs of the animal as well as the safety of the public. The Problem. . . The problem many wild cat owners are facing is an ever increasing number of states and counties are enacting laws that forbid private ownership of wild felines. These laws are in response to a number of factors - the increasing popularity of wild cat ownership, intense pressure from organized animal rights groups to eliminate wildlife in captivity and TV and newspaper coverage which spotlight accidents or escapes by these feline species. The negative result of enacting ban laws is displaced felines and the creation of potentially dangerous situations when happy animals in stable situations are forced to be relocated to sanctuaries or new homes. This puts an extreme burden on the innocent animals and the owners who care for them. Most states already have regulations governing private possession of wild felines. Some state agencies only regulate native species, leaving the regulation of possession of exotic felines up to the individual counties. Many states have provisions which forbid possession of wildlife by private citizens not involved in commercial activities. These states only grant permits to possess wild felines to AZA accredited zoos, institutions conducting scientific study or federally licensed conservation educators. This restriction eliminates the existence of non-commercial sanctuaries, wildlife breeders and the introductory level of captive husbandry, which is necessary before one can progress to a professional level. First time ownership of the smaller wild cat species can be safely and humanely conducted with the help of experienced mentors. It is this hands-on approach to gaining experience and knowledge for the next generation of captive care givers which we worked to preserve in our Model for State Regulations. Our Answer. . . While you may not agree completely with our document, we welcome you to use it for a model to aid you in efforts to preserve private ownership rights. The main points addressed are the requirement for prior experience with large felines prior to ownership, the creation of a permit which when granted guarantees your right to ownership, a means for state agencies to track animal acquisitions and dispositions, and the creation of perimeter fencing, caging and husbandry guidelines which ensure the safe and humane treatment of the animal. These are important considerations for the captive animal and society. If these issues are addressed, the risk of injury or escape are nearly non-existent. The forces which seek to abolish private ownership of wild felines are not going to rest until they have filled every vacuum with their ban legislation. That is why it is critically important that everyone keep in touch with their Game and Fish Departments and state legislators and county governments. In states that have few laws on the books, ban bills will be introduced, often on a county level. This is a suitable counter proposal. If presented before a ban law is proposed, it could buy the needed support to stop the passage of a ban law. In states that have already passed laws preventing non-commercial ownership and captive husbandry, this model is a reasonable approach to opening up the door for future professional care givers.  Questions about the model regulations and current state regulations can be directed to the LIOC-ESCF Legal Director, Lynn Culver at lynn@lioc.org or culvers@voltage.net. View the Model Regulations in HTML format View the Model Regulations in PDF format Download the Model Regulations in MS Word format