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Last week we learned of an incident in which a cougar mauled a 4-year-old girl at a birthday party in Coral Gables. The child suffered serious injuries to her face; sadly, the cougar was euthanized as part of a rabies test. This week the Miami Herald published two excellent letters about the incident.

Miami resident Linda Bower wrote: “Animals that are called wild are called that for a reason. We do not take a wild animal, stick it in a cage for most of its life, drive it around to childrens’ parties and suddenly make it domesticated and safe to be around.” She added, “Hopefully, people will begin to recognize that all animals should be entitled to the life that they are meant to live and not forced to serve as puppets for our entertainment.”

Jim Dunn, from Fort Lauderdale, wrote: “Sadly, in Florida it’s far too easy to own or ‘hire’ exotic animals like big cats or monkeys.” He continued, “This incident wasn’t the first time that exotic pets have injured people in South Florida. Miami-Dade County and the state need to stop these animal exhibitors before another accident.”

Thanks to these letters, thousands of readers were educated about the cruelty and dangers of exotic animal displays. (Click here for tips on writing letters to the editor.)

ARFF is encouraging the City of Coral Gables to enact an exotic animal display ban to prevent future incidents. The cities of Hollywood and Lauderdale Lakes have already enacted such a ban to protect public safety and promote the humane treatment of animals.

We need your help. If you live or work in Coral Gables, please contact ARFF at campaigns@animalrightsflorida.org

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