Matthew Diebel

USATODAY

Want to take a selfie with a tiger in New York state? Sorry, but soon you'll have to go elsewhere.

According to New York City's Daily News, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo just signed legislation that makes it illegal for fairs and circuses to make their tigers — and other big cats, such as lions and cheetahs — available for photographs.

"This is really directed at those traveling zoos or menageries that offer photos with dangerous big cats for a fee," Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, D-Manhattan, told the paper.

Rosenthal, who sponsored the measure, said the new law, which takes effect in early 2015, will not only protect humans from attack but also stop the animals from being exploited. "It is hard to believe it is not already illegal," she told the Daily News.

The legislator is an enthusiastic protector of animal rights, according to the paper, having introduced laws outlawing the tattooing and piercing of pets, giving judges the power to issue orders of protection to animals, and giving cities special powers to shut puppy mills.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the name of New York's governor. He is Andrew Cuomo, not Mario. The latter is a former New York governor and father of the incumbent.