February 23, 2003
Who We Are:
The Captive Wild Animal Protection Coalition (CWAPC) is a new and innovative consortium of zoo professionals, sanctuary operators, and animal protection groups that have joined forces in an unprecedented effort to turn the spotlight on the issue of the possession of dangerous wild animals as pets. The Coalition will research and analyze the issues of supply and demand for captive wild animals and develop, implement and coordinate multiple strategies to significantly reduce the trade, use and possession of captive wild animals as pets.
The Issue:
The private ownership of wild and often endangered animals is spiraling out of control. CWAPC estimates there are more than 5,000 tigers are kept as "pets" in the United States, more than the current numbers of tigers that survive in native habitats throughout Asia. Thousands of bears, lions, cougars, and other big cats are kept as "pets", often kept in small cages, dark garages and basements. Sadly, these animals have become popular "pets" to private "owners" who are ill prepared to provide the proper habitat and care these animals require. Many, if not most, of these animals endure terrible physical and psychological suffering before being dumped at a roadside zoo, sold to an exotic hunting ranch, or slaughtered for the exotic meat trade. Approximately 4,000 wild animals reside in just 31 TAOS accredited sanctuaries. A staggering 64% of these animals were former pets. This percentage is likely a fair representation of animals at the hundreds of other sanctuaries across the country. Human injuries and fatalities from captive wild animal attacks are also on the rise as is the inevitable animal suffering that comes with keeping any wild animal in captivity. * Source: Census 2002: Sources of Animals in TAOS Sanctuaries, conducted by The Association of Sanctuaries.
Our Solution:
Our goal is to significantly reduce the availability, trade, use and possession of captive wild and endangered animals as pets by the end of 2006. The Coalition is focused on four strategies to accomplish this goal: developing and maintaining a centralized information system, comprehensive educational programs, national media campaigns, and support of appropriate legislation at the Federal, State and Local level. CWAPC is supporting the Exotic Pets Bill that was recently introduced in the 108th Congress by Senators Jim Jeffords (I-VT) and John Ensign (R-NV). If passed, this bill will ban the interstate commerce of lions, tigers, leopards, and cougars for the pet trade.
Contacts:
For more information, please email info@cwapc.org, or contact Kim K. Haddad, DVM, at (650) 595-4692.
CWAPC Members
African Elephant Conservation Trust
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Animal Protection Institute
Born Free Foundation
Folsom Zoo/Sanctuary
Fund for Animals
Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Humane Society of the United States
International Fund for Animal Welfare
Kimya Institute
Marin Humane Society
Oakland Zoo
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
Performing Animal Welfare Society
Texas Humane Legislative Network
The Association of Sanctuaries, Inc.
The Science & Conservation Center
top of page
|
