Buy Big Cats Online Apr 2026
Under the BCPSA and the Lacey Act , it is unlawful for any individual to import, export, transport, sell, or purchase big cats in a manner affecting interstate or foreign commerce.
: Only qualified entities—such as AZA-accredited zoos, legitimate wildlife sanctuaries, and certain universities or government agencies—are permitted to possess or breed big cats. Legal and Ethical Risks buy big cats online
: Individuals who already owned big cats before the law passed were required to register them with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by June 18, 2023. These owners may keep their current animals but cannot acquire new ones. Under the BCPSA and the Lacey Act ,
Buying a big cat (such as a lion, tiger, leopard, or jaguar) online for private ownership is in the United States . The Big Cat Public Safety Act (BCPSA) , signed into law on December 20, 2022, effectively ended the private possession, sale, and breeding of these animals. Current Federal Law Fish and Wildlife Service by June 18, 2023
263 — 117th Congress (2021-2022) All Information (Except Text) Listen. There are 5 summaries for H.R. 263. Public Law (12/20/2022) Congress.gov History of the Big Cat Public Safety Act
Attempting to circumvent these laws by finding "private sellers" online poses extreme risks: Big Cat Public Safety Act 117th Congress (2021-2022)