The Humane Society is opposed to a recent move by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to alter rules about if and when wild animals in captivity can be made available for public interaction outside of cages.
After the commission voted 6-3 to give final approval to a plan that allows additional types of animals to have contact with people, the Humane Society called the move “unnecessary” and it will put “both the public and animals at risk”.
The Humane Society statement went on to say that the decision could “expose people to potential injuries” and “increase the burden on game wardens…to ensure safety compliance”. Humane Society officials presented oral testimony before the Commission vote was taken.
Animals such as cattle, sheep, antelopes, deer, and giraffes are now allowed to be moved from cages for public contact with no restrictions. Animals like bears, big cats, dogs, and primates must stay in cages with no public contact. All other wildlife not in the first two categories can be exposed to the public as long as a handler is in immediate control.
