Context of public perception

European Animal Trainer appearing in America. The first time I have seen one worn as part of a costume, since about 1977.
American costume mistress, and American Primate Trainer
Boyfriend of British Wild Animal Trainer appearing in America

I promise none of these necklaces were "purchased" for better then 3000.00 as Margaret suggested. The bottom photo has been quoted extensively in print and video as "loving my children, and they are my family." I wonder if that is Billy or Mary's body part, that she has gifted to her truck driver. Historically decades ago, claws served a purpose similar to sneakers or "colors" to a gang. It identified you as "belonging" or "being a part of" a practice that has be come antiquated in the United States but given the international nature of the industry quite prevalent from time to time.

This culminated in the drafting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which was signed by 85 countries during a 1973 conference in Washington, DC. The treaty came into force in 1975 and, at the time of this writing (December 2006), 169 nations had become Parties. "I suggest this is as important, if not more important then 30 some Nations agreeing to call Circus an "art" worthy of borderless travel, yet it doesn't seem to be taken as serious, or trumpeted as monumental."

The Fundamental Principles of CITES are described in Article 2: arguably the most important part of the Convention. This defines the criteria for listing under the three appendices. Appendix I is reserved for those species that are threatened with extinction that are now, or may become, further endangered by international trade. As such, trade in those species is prohibited for all Parties, although there are some exceptions. These include, for example, specimens that are raised in captivity or parts that were derived from specimens BEFORE the treaty came into force.
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The importation, transportation, possession or sale of any endangered species of fish or wildlife, or hides or other parts thereof, or the sale or possession with intent to sell any article made in whole or in part from the skin, hide or other parts of any endangered species of fish or wildlife is prohibited, except under license or permit from the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For the purposes of this section, endangered species shall mean those species of fish and wildlife designated by the Division of Fish and Wildlife as seriously threatened with extinction. Such a list shall in any event include, but not be limited to, endangered species as so designated by the Secretary of the Interior.
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Washington, U.S., 31 July 2008—Huge gaps in U.S. regulations could make Tigers held in captivity a target for illegal trade, wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC and WWF found in the first-ever comprehensive report into captive Tiger regulations across the United States.
According to the report, the U.S. government has no way of knowing how many Tigers there are in captivity within its borders, where they are, who owns them, or what happens to their body parts when they die. In many states there are no controls on individuals keeping Tigers as pets.

A registration scheme for all captive Tigers and a means to monitor disposal of dead animals are urgently needed, says the report.

There are more than 5,000 Tigers estimated to be in captivity in the United States—more than the total wild population in Asia, of around 4,000 animals. They include animals bred in zoos, used for entertainment in carnivals or promotional exhibits, housed at rescue facilities, and Tigers that are privately owned.

The United States and other member governments of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna) have previously agreed to a Resolution whereby all countries where Tigers are bred in captivity should “ensure that adequate management practices and controls are in place to prevent [Tiger] parts and derivatives from entering illegal trade from or through such facilities.” The lack of a comprehensive management system for captive Tigers is clear evidence the U.S. has not fully implemented this Resolution.

CITES also agreed that countries should not breed Tigers on a commercial scale for trade in their body parts. Whilst the report found no current evidence of Tiger breeding for body parts in the U.S., the lack of regulations create a clear potential for it to begin.

“As a leader in promoting the conservation of Tigers, the United States has a responsibility to manage its captive Tiger population effectively to prevent any emergence of illegal trade,” said Leigh Henry, programme officer for TRAFFIC North America and co-author of the report. “Any supply of Tiger parts into the black market can stimulate trade and consumer demand, which could pose a serious threat to already dwindling wild Tiger populations.”

Tiger populations are fast declining worldwide due to poaching for illegal trade and habitat and prey loss. One of their main threats is the global demand for their bones, skins and other body parts for use as ingredients in traditional Asian medicine and as fashion items.

The report was funded by the Save the Tiger Fund.
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Let's see if folks are more comfortable answering this question: What would you say if the USDA came to inspect your animals wearing tiger claw tie tacks. Is it then still acceptable and nothing wrong with it. Or if the animal welfare activists were picketing wearing tiger claw necklaces, would we just shrug our shoulders because "they can do what they want it's not hurting anything." Convince me I am wrong that we would not scream like stuck pigs at their apparent hypocrisies, yet I have never seen USDA quoted as saying, "they are like our children, and they are members of my family." Are we so naive, that we don't think the public is aware of things like this? Do we assume they also live in a closed society? Or are we too busy glad handing, double cheek kissing, playing politics, and getting ours to really, really, really, care about tomorrow? Why are we, and only we a "soft target." There are some industries that are 100% animals, and animals are a small part of the over all circus, yet are you suggesting that we are picked on? Why is that?