Tiger Selfie Ban: New York State Wants To Outlaw Dangerous Meme

Taking selfies with tigers could soon lead to legal trouble for New York state residents.

Legislators in the state assembly and senate have passed a bill that would ban people from posing for a photo while hugging, patting, or touching tigers in the state. The strange issue arose after a number of residents took selfies with animals while visiting traveling circuses and county fairs.

It is popular on dating sites to use a picture posing with a dangerous animal, the New York Post noted:

“[Manhattan Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal] acknowledges proudly that the bill would also destroy a trend now prevalent among users of dating apps — men snuggling with tigers in reckless attempts to look brave or cuddly or, even more implausibly, both in their dating-profile photos on online services like Tinder and OKCupid.”

Rosenthal sponsored the bill, which still allows for people to take pictures with other, less dangerous animals.

“They can still pose with bears and monkeys,” the assemblywoman said. “They just have to take big cats off their list.”

The trend was reportedly sparked by a Tumblr blog called Tinder Guys with Tigers, which collects pictures of guys cuddling with jungle cats of all sizes.

Passing legislation to stop what is essentially an annoying internet meme may seem drastic, but Rosenthal said the danger is real. She noted that seven times in the last 15 years a tiger has escaped or hurt New Yorkers.

The legislation shows the power of the selfie. Earlier this week there was much more positive news for the self-taken photo, as a woman in Toronto was able to send a picture to doctors that helped them diagnose her with a stroke.

People who want to risk the tiger selfie meme in New York will face a fine of up to $500. The bill has gone to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has yet to sign it.