That was back in 2003. Five years later, the cries are still being heard which have the attention of Sutherland (R-Warrenton) and other state legislators. Sutherland's rising concern comes after two tiger attacks last week in Missouri, including one at the nearby Wesa-A-Geh-Ya facility that led to a Warrenton man having his leg amputated. "I think it got people to understand it's an issue throughout the state," Sutherland said earlier this week. "I was hoping we could pass it before something bad happened." Sutherland has unsuccessfully tried to pass an exotic animal law since taking office. The bill has passed the House twice, but has yet to gain approval in the Senate, he said. When the 2009 Legislative session begins, it once again will be a priority for Sutherland. He said the bill focuses on identifying and locating where exotic animals are kept and establishing minimum standards for keeping animals enclosed in cages. "It's about public safety," Sutherland said. "There is no oversight." Jacob Barr, 26, was a first-time volunteer to the Wesa-A-Geh-Ya facility located outside of Warrenton Sunday, Aug. 3, when he was mauled by an 800-pound tiger, authorities said. Barr and his friend were moving the tiger from one cage to another for cleaning purposes when the attack happened. It was not clear why the tiger attacked Barr, who was transported by helicopter to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Barr had his right leg amputated just below the knee last Monday. The tiger was shot and wounded by Sandra Smith, who owns the facility with her husband Kenneth. Kenneth Smith later shot and killed the animal. The Smiths have plans to get rid of their animals and place them in other shelters within 30 days. One day after the incident at Wesa-A-Geh-Ya, a 16-year-old male was critically injured by a tiger at a southwest Missouri attraction known as Predator World near Branson. Dakoda Wood-Ramel, an intern there, entered a pen to take pictures for a customer in violation of the company's policy, a report said. The business said Ramel slipped and fell near the tiger, but witnesses said the tiger leaped on the victim and grabbed him by the neck. "At the very least, people handling animals should be safe," Sutherland said. "All the people (living) around it should be confident they are safe." Missouri Sen. Tom Dempsey (R-St. Charles) also favors tougher regulations "We were hoping to be proactive, rather than reactive," he told The Associated Press last week. Dempsey said the last week's attacks should "bring the issue to the forefront."