House approves bill on big cats

Suzanne Struglinski

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003 | 9:43 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Restrictions on the interstate shipments of exotic animals such as lions and tigers are expected to soon be signed into law by President Bush.

Monday, with unanimous consent, the House passed a final version of the "big cat" bill offered by Nevada Sen. John Ensign and California Rep. Howard "Buck" McKeon, both Republicans. There was no roll call vote.

The bill bans shipments of large felines and exotic animals across state lines to anyone other than zoos, exhibitors and those certified to handle and care for the animals.

The Senate approved Ensign's bill on Oct. 31 but more legislative action took place on McKeon's bill.

The House passed McKeon's bill on Nov. 19 with a 419-0 vote. When that bill moved to the Senate, it approved an amendment offered by Ensign and Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla. that made minor changes to the bill, so it needed another House vote.

By passing it last night, the House finished the process and moved the bill to President Bush.

"Too many people become enamored with the idea of having an exotic animal in their home and disregard the dramatic health and safety issues associated with it," Ensign said in a statement. "Preventing the interstate transportation of such animals will, hopefully, end the practice once and for all."