{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/warner-applauds-house-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-big-cats", "Warner Applauds House Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Protect Big Cats", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) applauded today's vote in the House of Representatives to approve theBig Cat Public Safety Act. The legislation, co-sponsored by Sen. Warner, wouldban the private ownership of big cats, such as lions, tigers, and cougars that are often kept in unsafe and inhumane conditions.The billnow awaits a vote in the Senate.\r\n\r\nEarlier this year, Americans were captivated by Tiger King,' a documentary that partly brought to light the cruel conditions that lion and tiger cubs are kept in at facilities across the country that offer photo ops and other entertainment opportunities. These exotic animals are not entertainment props. They need the care of individuals with the proper expertise and training,said Sen. Warner.This legislation is an important first step to not only protect the public, but protect theseexotic animals from being exposed to dangerous conditions. As Congress continues the critical work of tackling the health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19 and numerous fiscal deadlines, I commend the House for simultaneously passing legislation that has an impact on public safety.\r\n\r\nThe Big Cat Public Safety Actwould:\r\n \r\nMake changes to the requirements governing the trade of big cats, i.e. species of lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, cougar, or any hybrid of such species.\r\nProhibit the possession of these big cats by individuals who are not licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).\r\nRevise restrictions on the possession and exhibition of big cats, including restricting direct contact between the public and big cats.\r\nInclude an exemption for sanctuaries, universities, and zoos.\r\nAllow current owners to be grandfathered in with conditions, such as being required to register their animals with the Fish and Wildlife Service; they are prohibited from breeding, acquiring or selling prohibited animals after the date of enactment; and they are prohibited from allowing direct contact between the public and any prohibited species.\r\n \r\n\r\nWhile twenty-one states in the U.S. currently have legislation criminalizing exotic animal ownership, there is no federal law making big cat ownership illegal. In Virginia, Gov. Ralph Northam signed into lawlegislation that is similarto theBig Cat Public Safety Act, which will take effect on July 1, 2021.\r\n\r\nTheBig Cat Public Safety Actis endorsed by many animal rights organizations, including the Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animals, and accredited big cat sanctuaries across the country. Additionally, it is also supported by law enforcement groups, including the National Sheriffs' Association, the National Animal Care and Control Association, and the Florida Animal Care and Control Association.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/warner-applauds-house-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-big-cats"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 2.156835049390793, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}