The SHAM of Shambala

TheSham of Shambala

Tippi Hedren, through the Shambala act is perpetuating a sham on the Congress and the people of the United States. In a sample letter promoting adoption of "The Shambala Bill" (H.R. 5057) to Senators & Representatives taken from her website (www.shambala.org) she states:

"A number of states currently have laws regulating the selling and keeping of exotic animals, such as big cats."
In fact, most states (over 3/4 ) currently have laws governing the keeping of exotic animals andall govern native species which include lynx, cougar, bobcat, etc. She continues:

"But where regulations exist, an unethical breeder can simply move to another state to sell wild animals as "pets" to unsuspecting members of the public".
Shambala would not remedy this asall breeders, dealers & exhibitors are currently licenced under the federal Animal Welfare Act. Moving to another state does not remove this requirement as it is already federal law. Further, it is nosimple feat to just pick-up and move; land must be acquired, cages built, local permits obtained (remember 3/4 of the states have regulations governing exotics), etc. Tippi continues evoking fear and emotion when she misleadingly states:

"When an animal grows larger and becomes dangerous and unmanageable, the desperate owners may euthanize their "pet". Or, they may turn a magnificent animal over to a canned hunt farm...."
The fact is, hunting of many native cat species is allowed throughout the U.S. Habitat loss is driving cougar and bobcat into close proximity to humans, in some instances, causing harm to humans and domestic animals. Further, not all species Ms. Hedren seeks to regulate grow into dangerous animals. Of the 37 species of wild cats, only 5 species are larger than a large dog, in fact most are no larger (and in some cases are smaller) than a housecat. There arethousands (and more likely hundreds of thousands) ofbengal cats (a hybrid the size of a housecat) in private hands. Although these cats have been recognized by some cat fancy organizations, they would also fall under the umbrella of the Shambala Act.

Shambala also applies to monkeys, the vast majority of these species could hardly be considered dangerous. Many simian species weigh only ounces and hardly constitute a danger. The claims that these monkeys carry diseases posing serious threats to humans is irresponsible and ludicrous. These animals, not having come from the wild but having been born in captivity, have been given the best of veterinary care over their lifetime.

"I will accompany my mother on a trip to Washington D.C. on the 29th of March in an effort to promote legislation that will ban private ownership of wild animals."

Melanie Griffith,
daughter of Tippi Hedren,
the director of Shambala

None of the canid species covered by Shambala are larger than a large dog. Further fox and coyote, also covered, are governed by laws within each state. Again, tens of thousands of wolfdogs (a hybrid of wolves crossed with domestic dogs) would require licencing under Shambala. Since no test exists that can determine that a given animal is indeed a wolfdog, how are animal control agents expected to distinguish a wolfdog from a huskie-mix. This opens the door to over-zealous agents seizing and euthanizing a beloved family pet, as dogs which happen to look "wolfy" will be automatically labeled too dangerous to keep, and will be unnecessarily euthanized.

There are no documented figures that show exotics are routinely euthanized by uncaring owners. To the contrary, having paid handsomely for their pets, most owners care for them for their livetimes, going to extreme lengths to provide a safe and loving environment. However, it is a sad fact that thousands of domestic cats and dogs are euthanized at shelters across the country every day and yet no one suggests surety bonds for their care. And, last but not least, no state allows canned hunts of exotic cats.

The true goal of the Shambala Bill is best expressed by Tippi Hedren's daughter, Melanie Griffith who stated:

"I will accompany my mother on a trip to Washington D.C. on the 29th of March in an effort to promote legislation that will ban private ownership of wild animals."
Extreme Animal Rights organizations further a hidden agenda in couched the form of "humane" treatment. To these people any animal kept in captivity is inhumanely treated, even farm animals. Their avowed goal is to eventually prohibit any use of animals for any purpose. Shambala is just a small portion of their overall goal of totally banning the keeping & breeding of all animals.

Shambala Bill Would Hurt Wildlife Conservation

Losing their habitat at an alarming rate, exotic animals are now under attack in their last safe refuge - captivity. The majority of animals covered by the Shambala bill are not large carnivores, rather, they are no larger than many breeds of dogs & cats commonly kept. Individuals have saved many endangered species from extinction through their efforts. The private sector, through educational and breeding programs, can do much to help insure many species of exotic animals find safe haven in captivity, free from habitat encroachment and poaching. These animals provide a gene pool that will ensure these animals survive to perpetuate the species even as habitat loss dooms their wild cousins.

Tippi and others who see animals that have been abused, see only a small part of the picture. They do not see the thousands of well kept and loved animals that live a much longer life in captivity, free from parasites and hunger, than they would in the wild.

In analyzing the practice of keeping exotic species, it has to be recognized that zoos do not have the space or funding to keep genetically viable populations of EVERY species. Further, the animals being kept today are not "wild" animals per se. They have been captive born for many generations. Yes, they have instincts common to their breed. Yes, they require special care. But hundreds of organizaitons exist to support these efforts. Yes, there are disreputable breeders out there, but Shambala addressesnone of these problems, it only prohibits an individual, from keeping the animal of their choosing.

Tippi and others who see animals that have been abused, see only a small part of the picture. They do not see the thousands of well kept and loved animals that live a much longer life in captivity, free from parasites and hunger, than they would in the wild. Having gained a "deep love & appreciation" of these animals from close contact with them, she now seeks to prevent others that same opportunity.

Tippi went against professionals who would not provide their cats for the filming of "Roar" and through her ignorance she, her daughter, and several co-workers were hurt. Despite this, she and her keepers walk these self-proclaimed "dangerous wild animals" on a leash.

Those that ignore safe handling practices of any animals, wild or domestic, open themselves and others to the same consequence. Irreponsible dog owners are the cause of thousands of bites a year, should we ban dogs as well? Is confining hamsters & gerbils to tiny wire cages any less cruel? Under Shambala's definitions they too could be added to the prohibited list. Will small amphibians & reptiles (chameleons, turtles & iguanas etc.) be next? They too fit into the definitions contained in Shambala.

Life is full of risks; auto accidents, skiing accidents and other accidents abound. Laws against animal abuse exist in every state. Those that break a law or who act irresponsibly and cause harm to another should be penalized. We should not seek to remove the freedoms of a responsibe majority because of the actions of a small minority. Freedom of choice being a premise of the American way. Please recognize Shambala for what it is: an attempt by Animal Rights activists to remove yet another freedom of choice from the citizens of the United States.

Once individuals can no longer keep & breed exotic species, zoos run out of space and human populations take over the last of the wild, where will these animals go? Remember, extinction is forever.