To the editor:
If you’re one of the many staying home and watching an extensive amount of television during quarantine, you have probably spent hours confused and shocked by the life of Joe Exotic. Although the series focused primarily on the outrageous life of Joe, it also gave many a glimpse into the dreadful lives that most big cats face in captivity, which included irregular meals and big cats being killed and bred, both being a federal crime.
Wildlife in Need, a nonprofit located in Clark County, Indiana, was featured in the docuseries. Wildlife in Need practiced the unethical act of allowing the general public to interact with tiger cubs. In order for this to happen, tiger cubs are required to be declawed. Which, according to the USDA, was done without pain medication being administered. Due to this and more than 120 other violations, Wildlife in Need’s USDA license was swiftly revoked.
In the state of Indiana, it is completely legal to keep big cats as pets. This results in a dangerous situation for not only the owners, but the general public and local law enforcement. Whether your concern is for the animals, the welfare of the workers in this industry or local law enforcement, it is in the best interest of Hoosiers everywhere to support the Big Cat Public Safety Act. Make a difference by contacting Sens. Mike Braun and Todd Young and encourage them to cosponsor the Big Cat Public Safety Act, S. 2561
Rachel Pope
Greenfield
