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The New York State Assembly passed legislation today to prevent people in New York from taking pictures with tigers.
“Hugging, patting, or otherwise touching” the big cats while at state fairs and traveling circuses is now prohibited in New York — and violating the law could cost you up to $500 in fines.
Ms Rosenthal said the reason behind the new rule was actually to make traveling circuses and county fairs safer places for the public to enjoy large predatory cats – but stemming the tide of foolish selfies featuring dangerous animals is seen as a fortunate side benefit.
Speaking to the New York Post, she said: ’’They can still pose with bears and monkeys. They just have to take big cats off their list.’’
There have been seven reports of tiger escapes or tiger-related injuries in New York State in the last 15 years, and two instances of tiger maulings.
If the bill is signed into law it will be hard to enforce as it will be difficult to prove that photos with tigers were taken in New York state.
But some New Yorkers were said to be up in arms about the new rules.
Political website CaptialNewYork complained: ‘‘Guess things are going so well in New York state that our elected representatives have time to pass frivolous legislations.’’
The ban on posing with tigers is currently under review.
Agencies/Canadajournal
