Kentucky bans exotic pets

Kentucky’s regulation prohibits pet ownership of dangerous animals such as elephants, lions, bears, tigers, rhinos, leopards and certain primates. People who currently own these animals will be allowed to keep them as pets but are prohibited from breeding them or obtaining new ones. The ban does not apply to circuses or zoos.
 
There are an estimated 10,000 tigers being kept as pets in the United States alone, more than twice the number left in the wild worldwide. There is no federal law that prohibits owning a tiger or lion as a pet. IFAW has been working state by state to strengthen laws regarding exotic pet ownership. Since 1990 pet tigers have killed 11 people and mauled 60 others.

“Exotic pet ownership is out of control in the United States and stronger laws and regulations – like the one Kentucky just passed – are the first step in controlling this situation,” said Sarah Wry, Program Manager for IFAW.
 
About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)
IFAW works to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats and assisting animals in distress. IFAW seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well being of both animals and people. IFAW is headquartered in Yarmouth Port, MA, and has offices in 15 countries worldwide.