‘They’ll all go away,’ Project Survival’s Cat Haven on Bill 892

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A new California bill aimed at preventing human contact with captive wild animals is raising concerns for Project Survival’s Cat Haven in Fresno County.

Project Survivals Cat Haven in Dunlap is home to 40 exotic cats and provides visitors a chance to see them up close.

Assembly Bill 892 would ban public encounters with certain captive wild animals.

“It stops people from being able to have that experience and actually be able to make a connection to what we’re trying to do to save animals in the wild,” Dale Anderson, founder of Project Survival’s Cat Haven, said.

Dale Anderson went to Sacramento for Monday’s hearing on the bill. He said if passed, the legislation could have a major impact on his facility.

“You’re limiting our ability to be able to effect change and make people interested in what’s going on,” Anderson said.

Anderson has dedicated his life to educating others on endangered wild cats for over 30 years. He said the bill heavily impacts his mission.

“When you see things live, you hear them purr, you hear them, you know, do what they do. It’s a different experience. And that’s what touches people’s hearts,” Anderson said.

The bill exempts facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, but Cat Haven is affiliated with the Animal Humane Organization, leaving Anderson uncertain about its future.

“If you can’t impact people’s lives, then we’re not going to save these species. We’re going to be done, they’ll all go away,” Anderson said.