Animal Control Can't Prohibit County Fair's Bengal Tiger Showing

ST. CHARLES, IL — The Kane County Fair is advertising an encounter with a Bengal tiger in this year's fair attractions, and animal control says it can not stop it, but will be monitoring closely to ensure the animal is treated humanely.

While Kane County Animal Control (KCAC) does not have the power to stop the fair's board of directors from showing Bengal Tiger Encounter, they do have the power to "strictly" enforce state and local laws regarding the care of the animal, KCAC said in a statement.

Bengal Tiger Encounter was booked by the Kane County Fair board of directors and is operated by a company called Variety Attractions, which own about 350 acts nationwide.

The company's website describes the attraction as loving, and shows images of handlers hugging the big cats.

"Spectators are delighted as they witness expert animal handlers interact with a number of Bengal tigers in displays of affection and love for the giant cats," the website states.

The show is set to take place July 14 to July 18, but Kane County Animal Control Director Brett Youngsteadt said he has received "numerous" complaints.

"Kane County Animal Control takes animal care and safety very seriously," Youngsteadt said in a statement. "We will ensure that every animal act that comes through this county is treated humanely. We will conduct a thorough inspection of everything — animals and enclosures included — as soon as they arrive in Kane County and continue to monitor them while they are in our jurisdiction."

Despite some residents being troubled by the act, the Kane County government said its hands are tied.

"This decision would have to be made at the state level to change the authority given to the counties," Kane County Board Chair Corinne Pierog said in a statement. "We recommend reaching out to your local state representative to let them know your concerns so we can see this change made statewide."

Other events being held at the fair include a petting zoo and pig racing.

Officials from the county fair board of directors did not respond immediately to Patch's request for comment.