New York Legislators Pass Bill Banning “Tiger Selfies”

tiger-kingdomLegislators in the state of New York passed a bill that would ban residents from taking photos of themselves with tigers. The law is a reaction to people taking photos of themselves with the tigers and posting it on dating websites. The bill prohibits “hugging, patting, or otherwise touching” tigers at fairs or circuses.

The Wall Street Journal reported that “thousands of daters have turned to big cats to help them catch the eye of potential mates,”

Democrat Linda Rosenthal stated that she introduced the legislation in order to increase safety at fairs and carnivals but did acknowledge this was a crackdown on people posting “tiger selfies” on dating sites. “They can still pose with bears and monkeys,” Rosenthal said. “They just have to take big cats off their list.”

“The purpose of this bill is to protect animal caretakers, those interacting with wild animals, bystanders, and the animals themselves by preventing direct contact between wild animals and members of the public,” the legislation reads.

A staffer for Rosenthal said to the Washington Post: “I feel bad now. We’re killing bros’ dreams and chances of being laid!” A Tumblr blog called Tinder Guys With Tigers is “documenting the absurdly large number of dudes who have taken a picture with a tiger and are attempting to use said picture to woo women on the Internet.”

The fine for being caught taking a “tiger selfie” would be $500. The bill is currently under review by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

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