In response to legislation sponsored by S.C. State Representatives Crawford, Clemmons, Fry, Duckworth, Hixon, Hardee, and V.S. Moss regarding Big Cats, Non-Native Bears and Great Apes (H3531), Doc Antle, founder and director of TIGERS Myrtle Beach Safari, issued the following statement:
“South Carolina has been one of a handful of states without regulation for persons possessing or trading in big cats, non-native bears, and great apes.
- Prohibit unqualified persons from possessing or trading in big cats, non-native bears, and great apes
- Protect qualified businesses and conservation efforts licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Provide exemptions for zoos, circuses, animal control/wildlife authorities, universities, and veterinary hospitals
- Empower local law enforcement and animal control authorities to enforce and provide penalties for violations
- Allow for grandfathering under conditions of registration
- Be self-funding through registration fees
Both T.I.G.E.R.S. Myrtle Beach Safari and the Rare Species Fund are fully devoted and committed to educating the community and protecting endangered species such big cats, non-native bears, and great apes.
We are very appreciative of the support and ongoing efforts of our South Carolina Representatives Crawford, Clemmons, Fry, Duckworth, Hixon, Hardee, and V.S. Moss regarding House Bill 3531. H3531 was reported favorably out of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee last Thursday.
Given the progress made with this bill to date, we are very encouraged that it will pass the full floor of the Senate and be on the Governor’s desk for his signature within the next week.”
About TIGERS:
The TIGERS Myrtle Beach Safari is home to more than 130 wild animals, including 60 big cats. The animals here are center stage in this fully interactive, hands-on experience, where you can cuddle up to tiger cubs, join the wolf pack, share a laugh with our apes, witness adult tigers running at full speed, and feed Bubbles, our African elephant. Plus, this is the only place in the world where you can meet the liger, the world’s largest big cat weighing in at more than 900 pounds. Go ahead, reach out and touch the jungle and create a lifetime of memories.
Photo & Video Assets for TIGERS:
https://myrtlebeachsafari.com/media/media-library/
