(SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.) -OCTOBER 4, 2003-The Captive Wild Animal Protection Coalition (CWAPC), which represents 20 leading animal protection organizations, zoos and sanctuaries, made the following statement regarding the tragic attack on Las Vegas performer, Roy Horn.

"The tragic attack onstage last night of Las Vegas performer Roy Horn is a wake-up call to all owners of dangerous wild animals," said Kim Haddad, a veterinarian and the Manager of CWAPC. "This is a tragedy for Roy, his family and his friends, and this is surely a very difficult time for them. We sincerely hope he recovers fully from his injuries."

Roy is a veteran of more than 15,000 onstage performances and an estimated 44 years experience with big cats. "That this can happen to someone with as many years working with animals as Roy, demonstrates that no matter how experienced or talented a person may be, they still can not undo the genetic programming of a predator. These are magnificent, strong, wild and completely unpredictable animals," said Haddad.

The 7-year-old male tiger that bit Roy in the neck and dragged him off stage just feet from the audience was described as a newcomer to the show.

Wayne Pacelle, Senior Vice President of The Humane Society of The United States, and a CWAPC participant states, "When the best-trained and most experienced handlers of big cats can be attacked and dragged around like rag dolls, it is plainly obvious that untrained private citizens should not keep big cats as pets. Yet, there are perhaps 15,000 private citizens who keep lions, tigers, cougars, and other big cats as pets. These animals are sold at exotic animal auctions and even on the Internet, and, once acquired by private citizens, they typically languish in backyards or basements. There have been dozens of injuries and fatalities to children and adults, and more will surely follow until keeping these animals as pets is banned at the state and federal level," added Pacelle.

CWAPC supports the passage of legislation at the state level to regulate the private ownership of wild animals and supports the federal Captive Wildlife Safety Act S. 269 and H.R. 1006. CWAPC believes the private ownership of wild animals is dangerous to humans and inhumane for animals.

What you can do:
Demand your state representatives pass appropriate legislation to regulate the private ownership of wild animals to prevent dangerous incidents from happening in your community.

For more information on CWAPC and our database which tracks incidents involving wild animals visit www.cwapc.org.

Click here for a printable (PDF) version of this press release.

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