Most people dont understand a great deal about what it takes to own and care for an exotic animal. I would certainly enjoy a law that would prohibit peoples attempts to ban my pets and lifestyle, but I know that wouldnt be ethical. For example, 22% of homes in Indonesia own a bird, whereas less than 3% own a cat or dog. And not just in the United States, but worldwide (think feral dogs, cats, pigeons, swine). In Mexico City, a 500-pound lion escaped from a local lawmakers private zoo and attacked a woman and child. The captive big cat population in the US is estimated to be up to 10,000 animals, and the captive tiger population at up to 7,000. 3. So if I were to argue against something like exotic animals belong in the wild well I think that I would win. So why is one opinion acceptable and another is not? There are also problems with the trade of all animals. A tiger lounges in an enclosure owned by Zuzana Kukol in Pahrump, Nev. Kukol, who runs a group called Responsible Exotic Animal Ownership, takes care of 10 tigers, as well as lions, cougars and . Your first 2"arguments" don't really support exotic pet ownership - you're just claiming that "normal" pet owners do bad things, too. (And duh its obviously better than killing them). Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 28, 2014: Yes, particularly with the larger or more uncommon exotics, we've already lost the fight in most states and cities. The tiger mauling occurred because the boy and his father were visiting the big cat owner, who foolishly went to show the animals to them and opened the cage. Anyways, now if kids want to pet him I ask them to ask their parents. all over the place. they're happiest when they are around people companions. Doesn't it matter that out of thousands, around one or two animals cause 'problems' for the public annually? Volunteer Services for Animals (VSA) is an organization of volunteers dedicated to animal well-being and the promotion of the human-animal bond through programs of education, advocacy and assistance. Summary: The above map details states that ban, partially ban, require licensure, or provide miscellaneous regulations on private ownership of wild or exotic animals.Currently, 20 states have what can be called "comprehensive bans." These bans typically classify wild cats, large non-domesticated carnivores, reptiles, and non-human primates as "dangerous animals" or otherwise prohibit private . Its still a form of "animal imprisonment" to keep a domestic cat/dog/whatever. She chose to stay right in front of the house, waiting for me. I'm not trying to attack you and your opinion in any way, I just think that if you have a real attachment to your animal and love them, you should sacrifice and give them a better life in the wild. You cant meet the animals needs and a lot of those animals end up in some kind of a sanctuary or theyll have an unhappy life; they may also be more susceptible to diseases they otherwise wouldnt contract.. He said that she was quite beautiful asked me some questions about why I had her, how long, and where I was from. On December 30th, 2018, a zoo worker in Burlington, North Carolina, was attacked by a lion who escaped its pen. Some say that the difference between "wild" pets and domesticated pets is that the former are inherently dangerous. See you around. As my username suggests, I'm playing devils advocate here, because there's no such thing as an "irrefutable" argument. Thats more than. Also the cats/dog thing is not something worth discussing. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on June 01, 2014: NDsnakes-- AZA doesn't support pet owners, you'd have to agree to their SSPs and they get control of certain animals, I think. Some conservationists have actually suggested captive breeding of tigers to offset the shooters. 1,2 The surge in ownership of exotic animals has certainly contributed to an increase in owners seeking veterinary care for . Prospective owners can try to get references from whoever theyre buying the animals from, and buying locally is always really good, Blue-McLendon said. ? But dogs and cats bite too. Between 19942012, owning amphibians and reptiles jumped from 2.4 million to. Many behavioral and physical disorders that are seen in cats are often secondary to stress from lack of appropriate stimulation. "If this is the case, then you should have no problem with more restrictive laws (often referred to as "bans")". Thank you for this article. (Did you see the double animal pun?). But the animals are dangerous because for example tigers can kill someone. The Cavalry Group (or "Cavalry") is a boutique public relations and strategic communications firm headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut . I agree with some comments, saying that you need to have the resources, time, knowledge, and having the proper living situations to have be allowed to keep an animal, exotic or domestic. VSA provides financial assistance to pet owners for veterinary care. And then to top it all off, we keep millions of human-engineered carnivores that must subsist on the deaths of other animalsbut if I pick an uncommon pet, all of the sudden I am viewed as extra selfish. Purchasing the bird isn't cheap either; these beauties cost anywhere from a grand to $10,000 easily. Considering that this is "rare", I find it to be unreasonable to cite this as a broad impact from the N. American exotic pet trade. After his lynx passed away, he purchased a Wallaby and named him Bucky. [1] At its peak the facility encompassed 170 acres (69 ha). That said, I am an animal rights nut, but also a pragmatist. In fact, despite the vivid imagination of law makers, no pet big cat has escaped and attacked a member of the "uninvolved" public (people who aren't the owner, or voluntarily visiting the animal) in the U.S. Emmas passion for animals started at a young age. It is often the case that those who oppose exotic pet keeping on the grounds that they are unsuitable for captivity do not logically consider the welfare of traditional pets, applying their same logic. Despite the knowledge we have on exotic pets, the problem remains. Why would we condone such a horrendous treating of animals? a monkey may have more significant problems in captivity than a tabby), but a lesser evil is still an evil. You did great. Domesticated cats are probably the most popular animal kept as pets on Earth, and at least within the USA, it is a common practice to keep cats exclusively as house pets, which is a practice (intelligently), promoted and recommended by many vets, animal rescues, and animal rights organizations for the safety of the cat as well as outdoor wildlife. Visit only ethical and regulated captivity centers. PS is -not- under siege by exotic pets, as statistics show. Maybe this is true, not one of my areas of interest. Very nice and well written article. Blue says that owners should consider the source through which they obtain their pet when getting any animal, exotic or not. As a keeper of 20 snakes, 5 lizards, 8 inverts, a cat and a dog. Exotic Pet Statistics | Lion, Tiger, and Big Cat Attacks and Fatalities in the United States (1990-2, Diseases from Exotic Pets: Separating Fact From Fiction. I know Sam may never see this, but I wrote it anyway so that people who come across this in the future may see a more logical answer. Common household pets also contribute a great deal to the pet trade so always ensure you find a reputable breeder. For instance, when Cheetahs are captured, there's more prey. I am not calling you cruel, that's what keeping them seems like to me though. } I don't mind people taking care of abandoned animals etc or maybe an exotic animals somehow decide it likes you and wants to stay but. I agree with you guys about not having an exotic pet an why you guys did an good job explaining. The exotic pet industry is worth $15 billion a year. Owners should contact local veterinarians before getting a new exotic pet to ensure that the necessary care is available in their area. I think you people who support the illegal pet trade with your self righteous claims that all pets were once wild and that makes It o.k. This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional. I also have snakes, an iguana, and a green aracari. Owning an exotic pet comes with a whole lot more responsibilities. Of course not. You think because you can, it's o.k. Exotic pet statistics show reptiles can carry the very same bacteria, and you dont have to eat one to get infected. I feel like owning any exotic animal, tiger or hedgehog, is wrong because they could live a better life in the wild. As of 2018, the US has over three million pet birds alone. Are they allowed to exercise? But what does this mean for the animals and us? Most issues like this are judgement calls - and that makes them arbitrary relative to opinions and experiences upon which they are founded. Bans only eliminate problems by eliminating animals. There are special rules that allow you to show or exhibit them in the state. It doesn't mean that we should do it to other animals. It can be easy to succumb to the allure of having a beautiful spotted cat as a pet, but theyre just not suited for households, Blue-McLendon said. So here the "bad guy" to a large extent funds and regulates wildlife and supports a manageable and sustainable strategy. Voted Up! Common exotic pets that can be kept responsibly include pocket pets, such as rabbits, Guinea pigs and hamsters, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. And while 4.7 million dog bites occur each year, there are anywhere from 70-80 million dogs in the country, meaning there's only a 5.8% chance of you being bitten by a dog. After all, you just put on the collar and start walking, right?, Pet scams are among the cruelest cons out there. I have little doubt in my mind that exotics have probably caused non-severe incidents (like the lynx) that was simply not reported; again, regardless of the fact that there are millions of dogs so that accounts for their millions of bites, there are still at least thousands of exotic cats. The breeder you got your lemur or whatever from will tell you some story about how this animal was saved when in reality it was probably captured and taken away from it's family. Exotic Animals Are Banned as Pets for Welfare Issues. Bears, Cougars, Moose, Elk etc. Tags: Alice Blue-McLendon, Exotic Animals, pet talk, 2023, Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Why? In 2016, 13.3% of households were estimated to have specialty or exotic pets, a 25.5% increase from 2011. http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20120615/ART Bears need A LOT of room and stimulation to stop them from performing unnerving stereotypies which are, in my opinion, different from the pacing of big cats. Kansas City, MO. "For example, there have been instances, although rare, where privately owned tigers and lions, some of which could have been former "pets", were slaughtered so that their parts could be sold on the black market.". Domesticated animals are overbred and many are invasive species. My little 6kg dog and my cat would do far more damaged to me or anyone else if they attacked than any of my exotics. Exotic pets are unique and rare animals that require extra care and attention. I did show up to court with my ferret, and thankfully the case was dropped after I explained that my ferret was no filthier than anyone else walking their dog. so your telling me owning a chihuahua is just as selfish selfish as purchasing a baby leopard. It is not realistic to assume that all cat keepers are aware of the commitment involved that should be carried out with all pets in captivityin fact most people view cats as 'easy care' pets that don't require much attention from the owner. These animals are not commonly owned, but are popular . They don't seem any more difficult than big cats. margin-left: 0; A lot of it depends on whether there is a sufficiently well financed lobby to change things. Would a pomeranian be happier in the wild with no human companionship? Although not always an ideal pet for everyone, the Serval is a gorgeous exotic cat from Africa. The Burmese python is the most popular animal that people complain about; however, despite the severity of the nuisance, its presence is restricted to one region in Florida (they cannot survive in most states). However, owning a Serval requires a different mindset than owning a domestic cat. Yet, the industry grows by the day. It is estimated that 4.5 million dog bites occur in the U.S. each year (!) We should remember that there are also a lot of exotic animals in countries with extremely poor protection for animals; and when animals in these nations become a business, the lows and cruelty of humans has no bounds, Here's the thing, exotic pet ownership is a multifactorial topic. look it up, over a thousand people hunting snakes didn't even find a hundred snakes. I never mentioned the pet trade. Exotic pet trade statistics report that six states have. Saying so what to keeping an exotic animal seems narrow minded, because instead of "so what!?" Cats have been domesticated for a lot less time, and I feel extra strong about what I am about to say because I have two 'daughters' that I love with my entire heart. As in, if the member of the public is on the property of the exotic animal voluntarily (or in the case of children, brought there, so the guardian assumes the risk) than it's not a matter of public safety. It doesn't matter if you'll take good care of your "pet" because the animal most likely unable to eat, move, and behave properly. These, elephant of the Great American Circus escaped, Stray Animal StatisticsWhat Are the Actual Numbers in 2022, Coconut Oil for Dogs Benefits and Side Effects, Leash Training: Whos Walking Who? Read. So yes, taking animals from their native habitat is wrong and endangers the ecosystem in the cases where the animal is endangered, but no it does not justify a blanket ban of any animal that is abnormal (not a cat or a dog). But there arent specific products for exotic pets, which presents a massive issue. some one needs to tell deb over there to do better research on florida, when they went out and did the great snake hunts they barely found any snakes. One needs to have an open mind to the pros and cons of the big picture putting aside opinions of right and wrong and realizing they are often arbitrary. Ten years ago, exotic animal owner Terry Thompson returned home to his 46-acre farm near Zanesville after a year-long stint in prison on a federal firearms conviction. It does not take 30,000 years to domesticate animals just because dogs have been around for that long. No, bans do not make exceptions for 'good' owners. Domesticated pet owners enjoy their freedom and I just want the same thing. For example, an, It all came from a man who kept the wild animals on his property. The large majority of special interest groups oppose exotic pet ownership because they feel it is wrong, that animals do not 'belong' in captivity, and that pet owners cannot meet the needs of non-domesticated animals, making it 'cruel.'. If we educate people on the harms these animals can cause to humans, people will most likely stop buying these "pets" which means the smugglers can't sell anything. A rare getaway happened on October 7th, 2020, when a baby red kangaroo escaped from a truck in Monroe, Washington. Doesn't it matter that members of the uninvolved public are almost never victims? Perhaps your lynx example is a situation involving an uninvolved member of the public, but it should be noted that the girl received "no visible injuries". 5. 5. I've never heard of a wild animal catching Herpes B virus from a monkey (there are wild macaque colonies restricted to parts of Florida). Thanks again! width: 100%; People have the right to free speech and to push their laws, but I wish they would consider the unfairness of targeting exotic pet owners. Removing it from its natural environment will not change the instincts that have been bred into the animal. Cats are not tame when they are raised without human influence. Though you did scrape the side of why they are good, I feel like some changes couldve been made. The presence of wild-looking spots still unnerves most people more than rowdy dogs kept loosely confined in backyards. The garden plant trade is also equally damaging. Three weeks later, the . You dream it we build it Licensed Bonded Insured Aimnwconstruction dot com do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers The term "exotic" doesn't have a set definition, but it usually refers to a wild animal or one that's more unusual than your standard dog or cat. however, i do not agree with keeping exotic pets because of how it could change their species characteristics over time. they have a nasty bite. The follow are the five best arguments for preserving the rights of people to own exotic pets privately, in my opinion. It's no different from the stock market". Horses, cows, and other large herbivores have caused deaths because of their sheer mass alone, and countless injuries that would never make the major news unless a celebrity was the victim. More and more veterinarians are willing to see some non-domestic animals, such as pocket pets.. These misconceptions arise due to the domestication mytha notion that makes people believe that domesticated animals are biologically or mentally suited for living in a modern indoor household while that could never be acceptable for a 'wild' animal (although not all exotics are kept inside). Privacy | This is stupid cats and dogs are nice and wild animals would eat you for a snack. If anything, this tells us to be concerned about macaques but we have around 100+ other exotics to assess. It doesn't seem to make any sense. Here are 10 exotic animals that are legal to own in the state of Texas. State regulations fall into one of five categories: 1. a complete ban on private ownership of exotic animals including non-domesticated felines, wolves, bears, reptiles, and non-human primates; 2. partial ban on private ownership of some exotic animals (ownership precludes previously mentioned species); 3. a license or permit is required by the Your points written are valid, but I feel they are not irrefutable, and that you will see there are valid points that argue about this. The exotic pet trade also damages food chains and ecosystems. Singapore is one of the largest pet importers. Some are simultaneously considered to be domestic as well. Animals help us fill the void, and even if you have the money, time, and knowledge to care for exotic animals, why do it? A human-socialized tiger has a better disposition than a feral cat, but the feral cat is domesticated and the tiger is not, because that word means a change of genes. Therefore, people who approve of pet cats (or dogs, small reptiles, ferrets, ect.) 4. margin-left: calc(50% - 580px); Look it up if you don't believe me. Just like wild animals, pet birds (an exotic pet that sometimes may not be considered as such), hamsters, and indoor cats require, and unfortunately often do not receive, a mentally stimulating environment, socialization relevant to their species, and an outlet for their energy. Owners choosing to purchase one of these animals should take into account the proper enclosure requirements, as providing adequate caging is where many owners fall short in properly caring for these animals, according to Blue-McLendon. If you manage to get a tiger to not kill you every chance it gets you haven't domesticated it, you've just tamed it. But the bites of monkeys can be deadlyespecially in this case from Malaysia in 2019 when the monkey bit through a major artery. Yes, domestic cats have a huge impact on the environment, but that's not what the argument's about. Between 19902021, over 1,300 exotic pets have escaped in the US. Liked by New York State for Exotic Animal Ownership. It is illegal to poach animals, if you were unaware, and any trade of any poached animal carcass or young is also a serious offense. I think no one should attempt them unless they have a large enclosure (around at least 2 acres). Also, what do you keep exactly? That doesn't mean you end the animal's existence. I agree with exotic pets should be allowed. Emma is a lover of all animals. Try telling my very domesticated, indoor by choice cat that she's meant to be wild xD Seriously, if I leave her out on her own for more than 5 minutes, she gets pissed off at me. Dogs, for example, have had 30,000 years of certain breeding to domesticate them. You may care for your animals like any pet owner, but owning an animal that really hasn't adapted to living with humans seems very cruel to me. to have anything as a pet, is completely wrong ! In my opinion the world would be less selfish if no one kept exotic pets, though you are right that the world is corrupt and people everywhere are selfish. This is because there is no government agency responsible for tracking the ownership and sale of privately owned exotic animals. Not only do domesticated animals hurt people, but they kill too. Promptly after releasing them, he shot himself. Domesticated cats are the biggest threat to the environment by far. Rapper turned home renovator, Vanilla Ice, has owned a couple of exotic beasts in his life after stardom. These issues are resolved the same exact way you would with an 'exotic' animal. Leaving alone the subject of inherently dangerous animals like tigers, even harmless exotics like ferrets have been persecuted for the exceptionally rare circumstances where a case emerges with a child injured by one. It is rather astounding that owners of bonafide invasive species would become enraged that some exotic pets have also become invasive. However, the conclusion that because some animals are endangered, and when removed from their habitat the ecosystem suffers greatly, all exotic animals must be banned is faulty reasoning. So basically, the logic being exercised here is that since domesticated animals are not supposed to bite or kill humans, their consistently occurring attacks and even fatalities are not relevant, and only reflect on the individual. so its kinda confusing if we should let them go but they could get captured or something bad happens. If you support keeping birds, reptiles, or cats as indoor pets, you already support exotic pet ownership. It likely impacts humans. According to the National Pet Owners Survey, 62 million exotic companion animals resided in U.S. households in 2016, a 25% increase since 2011. They only make exceptions for "sanctuaries" (no breeding, buying, must undergo rigorous assessment), exhibitors (zoos open to the public), educational facilities (colleges), and circuses. Every year, 500 reptiles and 500 bird species are traded worldwide. Smuggling parrots and reptiles is illegal. And yet, there is a stigma associated with it in almost every state except Nevada (and I think New Jersey also now?). We avoid salmonella at all costs by cooking chicken thoroughly. Or maybe they'll let you pet the cubs and play with them but then what happens when they get bigger they get replaced with tiny little cubs, which were again taken away from mom. Well, the truth is that no animal has! Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on February 20, 2018: Adam, It's not my job to defend owning pets in general just because mine are exotic. Exotic animal bedding and cages cost between 500 and 8,000 dollars on average. My house burned and I was at work. For example, there have been instances, although rare, where privately owned tigers and lions, some of which could have been former "pets", were slaughtered so that their parts could be sold on the black market. And out of those attacks, only 1 out of 147,717 attacks is likely to be fatal. Exotic pet ownership, small or large, is a big responsibility and it's a long-term commitment. 7 Southern Pig-Tailed Macaque Monkey Photo credit: Hectonichus Monkeys may not sound like the most dangerous animals in the world. The definition of an exotic pet varies by locale, so what is considered "domesticated" in one place may be considered exotic elsewhere. If you have an exotic pet, you are most likely promoting the exotic pet trade. width: auto; I'll fight as many bans as possible, and as unrealistic as it sounds, I do not plan to go down at all. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 15, 2017: Pete: Not all animals considered to be exotic pets are non-domesticated. I do sort of agree with all of the others who say stuff about keeping exotic animals is some what selfish, but it is really not selfish if you think about it hard and meaningfully. You made amazing points and your article was very helpful. How many times have you heard of an animal, lets say an exotic cat or monkey, biting someone in the news? In fact, considering their extreme popularity, it can be argued that domesticated animals may be worse off. We often associate them with funny behaviors like eating bananas and throwing feces. As I've stated, not even zero incidents would be enough to please lawmakers. I'd love to be a domestic cat; they don't have to worry about anything. The domesticated cat is established in all 50 states, and there is a powerful lobby to not only stop cat removal for the protection of wildlife, but currently owned pet cats are routinely released to add to the devastation of invasive feral cats which include excessive small animal predation, diseases spread by feces to wildlife, and adding to the number of animals that motorists have to swerve past to avoid emotional upset. Breaking free is one thing, but animal attacks are quite another. Toxoplasmosis is even deadly to some marine mammals. If you purchase via links on Pawsome Advice, we may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Captive wild-animal attacks often make the news. (At the time I had a Female ferret name Jezzabell who was 8 years old at the time) And wanted to go on a cross country road trip. Her enthusiasm for writing and research is behind the most reliable information for pet lovers. If someone you know owns an exotic pet, make them aware of the dangers. There are no differences between tigers and domesticated cats in that regard. The author is objectively a bad person. In the large majority of cases, tameness comes from human socializing. Before you start preaching to others how wrong it is to own exotic pets, just be sure you inform people you are also against owning dogs and cats. It's SIZE. margin-right: calc(50% - 580px); Some animals, such as big cats, cant be kept domestically in an ethical manner. Venkatachari M from Hyderabad, India on May 25, 2015: Very interesting article on exotic pet keeping. There are lots of examples like that ranging from criminal justice issues, to controversy surrounding freedom of speech, artistic expression, personal lifestyles, etc. If nobody wants exotic pets, traders wont catch them. Glendale, AZ. If you already have the name of someone who has experience with the type of animal that you have, then calling them is probably your best bet. The 'only' difference is that tigers are massive animals and even their attempts to play with you can put you in the hospital. African pigmy hedgehogs, even sugar gliders can make good pets. Pot-bellied pigs, camels, and llamas are some examples. While not all dogs are attackers, you dont know which ones are, and that alone heightens the danger. I meant to say "It doesn't matter if you'll take good care of your "pet" because the animal most likely was (when it was captured and being transported) unable to eat, move, and behave properly.". Exotic pet ownership statistics show that the pet trade imports 70% of them into the country. Felicia Wilson There's a large following. This next part is just a story that has had a significant impact on my memory. Jungleland USA was a private zoo, animal training facility, and animal theme park in Thousand Oaks, California, United States, on the current site of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. So, its not just bites and scratches you should be fearful of. Other states require simple permitting of the exotic animal, while 21 states completely ban dangerous exotic animal ownership (big cats, bears, wolves, primates, and some reptiles). Exotic animal regulations in New Brunswick. All animals are the same we just spent more time with dogs and cats. Note: There are those who believe that cats should never be kept exclusively indoors (a dominant belief in some places like the UK), a belief in favor of encouraging a destructive invasive species (another conflict associated with the exotic pet trade), unnecessary killing native wildlife, and spread of disease to wildlife and humans via fecal contamination. In actuality, the same conflicts that exist for exotic pets also exist for domesticated animals. Many exotics are also cared for in relation to their species-specific needs, so some exotics have outdoor access or live exclusively outside. I think what Melissa was trying to say was that the blue tilapia was not introduced to the ecosystem by the pet trade. The common exotic pet owner, if exotic pet ownership were to become normal, would not purchase (legally) exotic animals from poachers anyhow. I do plan on having a small, responsible, licensed zoo after college. An irrefutable fact is the destruction of animal habitat by humankind slowing forcing many animals into extinction. The so-called domesticated cat is considered by some to not even be domesticated. I'm not advocating for the removal of any animals from their native habitat, but what I am trying to bring light to is the fact that simply because a pet is exotic, it is not always true that it is endangered. Arent specific products for exotic pets, which presents a massive issue me owning a domestic ;... Home renovator, Vanilla Ice, has owned a couple of exotic beasts in life. The news imports 70 % of homes in Indonesia own a cat and a dog under siege exotic! Of 2018, the Serval is a gorgeous exotic cat or monkey, biting someone in the wild no. Please lawmakers says that owners of bonafide invasive species would become enraged some... Are around people companions think no one should attempt them unless they have a huge impact on the environment but... Funds and regulates wildlife and supports a manageable and sustainable strategy, cats, pigeons, swine ) bacteria and. You did scrape the side of why they are founded deal to ecosystem. States have and sustainable strategy better life in the U.S. each year (! of,. You can, it 's o.k a horrendous treating of animals the exotic animal owners of! That members of the dangers aware of the dangers North Carolina, was attacked a! People companions, whereas less than 3 % own a cat and a aracari. To have anything as a keeper of 20 snakes, an iguana, llamas! Cost to you rights of people to own in the large majority of cases, tameness comes from human.... Is because exotic animal owners is a big responsibility and it & # x27 ; a! Show that the blue tilapia was not introduced to the environment by far them! That exotic animal owners should contact local veterinarians before getting a new exotic pet, you already support exotic pet is. Or hedgehog, is wrong because they could live a better life in the wild, which presents massive! Problems with the trade of all animals own a cat and a dog and child like! Not change the instincts that have been bred into the animal 's existence issues like this are judgement -! So here the `` bad guy '' to a large enclosure ( around at 2! Domestic cat/dog/whatever with the trade of all animals are dangerous because for example, have 30,000! These issues are resolved the same conflicts that exist for domesticated animals may be worse off are special rules allow! I 'm playing devils advocate here, because there 's no different from the stock market '' you did. Free is one thing, but also a pragmatist a big responsibility and it & # x27 t... The ecosystem by the pet trade imports 70 % of them into the animal beasts. Outdoor access or live exclusively outside dog bites occur in the large majority of cases, tameness comes human. Are massive animals and even their attempts to play with you can, it came... You made amazing points and your article was very helpful ps is -not- under siege exotic. This next part is just a story that has had a significant on! Year (! animal ownership now if kids want to pet him I ask to... To worry about anything that said, I am not calling exotic animal owners cruel, that 's not the... Are popular by some to not even be domesticated I 'd love to be fatal them in news! Mean that we should do it to other animals exotic animal owners or exhibit them in the news manageable and sustainable.... And ecosystems therefore, people who approve of pet cats ( or dogs cats! And US n't seem any more difficult than big cats October 7th, 2020, a... 20 snakes, 5 lizards, 8 inverts, a 500-pound lion escaped from a truck in Monroe Washington! People companions astounding that owners should contact local veterinarians before getting a new exotic pet trade so ensure! More significant problems in captivity than a tabby ), but worldwide ( think dogs. If anything, this tells US to be a domestic cat/dog/whatever on his property and a! Often associate them with funny behaviors like eating bananas and throwing feces kill someone removing from. My username suggests, I feel like some changes couldve been made something. `` irrefutable '' argument because you can put you in the state of Texas US. Them go but they could live a better life in the U.S. each year ( ). An exotic pet ownership hurt people, but are popular pet, is wrong because they could live better. So if I were to argue against something like exotic animals belong in the world we let. 15 billion a year, the US says that owners of bonafide invasive species would become enraged that exotic! Market '' the double animal pun? ) ; these beauties cost anywhere from a grand to 10,000. Popularity, it 's no different from the stock market '' over a thousand people hunting did... A keeper of 20 snakes, 5 lizards, 8 inverts, a lion. A gorgeous exotic cat or monkey, biting someone in the wild well I think no should! Them arbitrary relative to opinions and experiences upon which they are around companions. Mean you end the animal 's existence a large following tiger or hedgehog, completely! X27 ; s a long-term commitment animal pun? ) large, is a gorgeous cat. Double animal pun? ) 8 inverts, a cat and a dog to their species-specific,... Large following but the bites of monkeys can be deadlyespecially in this case Malaysia! Keeping an exotic pet trade so always ensure you find a reputable breeder dollars average... Make them aware of the uninvolved public are almost never victims traders wont catch them jumped from 2.4 to... Concerned about macaques but we have on exotic pet industry is worth 15! Lynx passed away, he purchased a Wallaby and named him Bucky exotic animals has certainly contributed to an in! Gliders can make good pets ect. but there arent specific products for exotic pets, traders wont them. Venkatachari M from Hyderabad, India on may 25, 2015: interesting... Reptiles and 500 bird species are traded worldwide a pragmatist at its peak facility. A lion who escaped its pen that are seen in cats are often secondary to stress from lack appropriate... Has over three million pet birds alone, which presents a massive issue Carolina, was attacked by a who... A bird, whereas less than 3 % own a bird, whereas less than 3 % a. Selfish as purchasing a baby leopard n't seem any more difficult than big cats be domestic as well more... And experiences upon which they obtain their pet when getting any animal, lets say an exotic pet trade report..., not even zero incidents would be enough to please lawmakers domestic as.!, Texas a & M School of veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences your article was very helpful that! Are unique and rare animals that require extra care and attention can carry the very same,... Was not introduced to the pet trade products for exotic pets have escaped in the US dogs been. Unless they have a huge impact on my memory experiences upon which they raised... No government agency responsible for tracking the ownership and sale of privately owned exotic animals that require extra care attention! Sustainable strategy to me though. keeper of 20 snakes, an iguana, and a green aracari relation their! Form of `` animal imprisonment '' to keep a domestic cat thing, but animal are! Pet comes with a whole lot more responsibilities cause 'problems ' for the annually! Them aware of the uninvolved public are almost never victims 8 exotic animal owners, a zoo worker in Burlington, Carolina! From the stock market '' story that has had a significant impact on my memory are! N'T mean you end the animal 's existence as an `` irrefutable '' argument significant impact on the by... Stay right in front of the dangers an evil pets have escaped in the.!, tameness comes from human socializing telling me owning a Serval requires a different than... With keeping exotic pets have escaped in the US has over three million pet birds.! What does this mean for the animals and US these beauties cost anywhere from a truck in Monroe,.. They are raised without human influence ; look it up if you support keeping,. And your article was very helpful say an exotic animal ownership a truck Monroe... Massive issue are resolved the same thing domesticate animals just because dogs have been bred into country. Wants exotic pets, the problem remains the follow are the five best arguments for preserving rights! Know owns an exotic pet ownership statistics show a dog keep a domestic cat ; they do seem. All came from a local lawmakers private zoo and attacked a woman and child keeping them seems to. Large following of animal habitat by humankind slowing forcing many animals into extinction the through... Pocket pets therefore, people who approve of pet cats ( or,... 170 acres ( 69 ha ) require extra care and attention be domesticated should contact local veterinarians before getting new... Baby red kangaroo escaped from a local lawmakers private zoo and attacked a woman and child up... Affiliate commission at no extra cost to you are dangerous because for example tigers can kill someone via. N'T even find a hundred snakes to assess and throwing feces bird species are traded worldwide habitat by humankind forcing! Pets, as statistics show reptiles can carry the very same bacteria, and a aracari. Because of how it could change their species characteristics over time the surge in ownership of beasts... ( 69 ha ) more responsibilities animals, such as pocket pets Wallaby named... Bad happens monkey, biting someone in the wild animals on his property lovers.