Sep 4, 2020, 10:38 AM. It is, in my opinion, selfish to own an animal that could have a better life without you. No one intends to harm animals by keeping them as pets even though this can unintentionally occur. Between 19942012, owning amphibians and reptiles jumped from 2.4 million to. If pets shouldn't be confined then they also shouldn't exist. You made amazing points and your article was very helpful. Many of them couldn't survive in the wild. Exotic pet ownership, small or large, is a big responsibility and it's a long-term commitment. You did great. 3. But exotic pet statistics show that the $15 billion industry is growing, and we need to do what we can to stop it. The common exotic pet owner, if exotic pet ownership were to become normal, would not purchase (legally) exotic animals from poachers anyhow. It might not sound like a lot, but these are only the officially reported cases. The man died, and so did the lion after failed tranquilization attempts. It doesn't seem to make any sense. I should like to ask Melissa her opinion of the the hundreds of dolphins and whales held in captivity in dolphinaria in the USA. 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. So, what can you do to help these animals? Exotic pet statistics in the US reveal that on October 30th, 2019, in a home with over 140 reptiles in Oxford, Indiana, the police discovered a. The follow are the five best arguments for preserving the rights of people to own exotic pets privately, in my opinion. I'm not an expert in bear care nor particularly interested in keeping one, but why don't you recommend keeping them? 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. 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. You think you're doing the right thing when in reality you're only promoting the problem. I was talking about exotic animals, reptiles, and fish. And in Oregon, an escaped pet lynx was shot after it pounced on a six-year-old girl and began clawing her head. See you around. You must be able to recognize I have a blog dedicated to this subject and have run into those same arguments tirelessly before. The sheriff had no choice but to, Exotic pet injury statistics remind us of a case in 2009 where a pet chimp attacked and brutally mauled a family friend trying to return the pet to its cage. It is rather astounding that owners of bonafide invasive species would become enraged that some exotic pets have also become invasive. The Cavalry Group (or "Cavalry") is a boutique public relations and strategic communications firm headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut . but when reading the articles you'd swear you can't take a step wtihout stepping on a sake. Alabama, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Nevada have NO laws, allowing citizens to own whatever they want and however, they want. But if a pet owner makes a mistake, innocent community members could pay the price. Probably. margin-bottom: 1.5rem; What do you expect from a wild animal like that! No one intends to harm animals by keeping them as pets even though this can unintentionally occur. He held her, and pet her. Breaking free is one thing, but animal attacks are quite another. Brazil has a similar situation with mammals. Keeping any pet is selfish. Thank you very much. As for exotic pet trade, if it is done in a responsible way and encourages preservation of wildlife (let's say by breeding exotic pets domestically rather than exploiting threatened populations in the wild), then one needs to consider that such ideas if properly executed can have merit. I told them I didn't know I couldn't bring her and that I we would turn the car around and not enter, but they called the state trooper. As I understand, the Act requires animal owners to have a permit for any types of animals that are not included on an exemption list. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! . Many behavioral and physical disorders that are seen in cats are often secondary to stress from lack of appropriate stimulation. But these animals still maintain more acceptance as pets than exotic pets like small wild cats that have no human fatalities on record. 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. 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. 5. It will simply run, hunt, and attempt to find a mate inside your living room. You can't get a license. Thank you for reading this. I agree that naturally, a dog is able to bite just as much as, say, a monkey. Keeping a tiger in a cage is not right, no matter the emotional well being it can give you. Visit only ethical and regulated captivity centers. 75% of human infections started with an animal-borne disease. Congratulations with your HotD! I had a woman scream at me she was going to sue me for endangering her child to my 'Filthy Rat'. margin-right: calc(50% - 580px); At least in my community. Here are 10 exotic animals that are legal to own in the state of Texas. Surely, it's a problem of humanity's own making, but our only option now is to provide the best home possible for these creatures. Otherwise, great article I enjoyed reading it and it helped me a ton with an argumental essay on this topic. The thriving industry is worth over $15 billion a year. 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. Exotic animal bedding and cages cost between 500 and 8,000 dollars on average. Alright, we're not getting anywhere with this conversation. Is keeping exotic pets selfish? If the cat doesn't want to live with humans, it doesn't have to - it can always go and live somewhere else. all over the place. They can help you pass the time well and give you true love but they can also get bored with you so you'll need to ease up the bothering sometimes. A lot of it depends on whether there is a sufficiently well financed lobby to change things. 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). In the large majority of cases, tameness comes from human socializing. Small Animal Specialties Equine & Large Animal Specialties Farm Animal Specialties Clinical Trials Resources Back to School Routine For Your Pet Clipping Your Pet's Nails - Cautions and Clippers How to Use Pill Pockets to Give Your Pets Medication . An irrefutable fact is the destruction of animal habitat by humankind slowing forcing many animals into extinction. 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.'. In my 5 years as a keeper my exotics have cost me less in food, vet bills and time than my domestics have. i have noted down all your points for a debate at university. i love foxes i even have one sleeping in my gaming section where i do youtube vids my fox is the best shes very fast and she likes to play outside. Ice did his best to keep Bucky under wraps, as it isn't legal to possess these animals in Florida, but Bucky broke free and caused chaos. Circus animals are notorious for their break frees. And if pet ownership is inherently "selfish" and "unnatural", as you suggest, then why are you so in favor of it? Owning an exotic pet comes with a whole lot more responsibilities. In 2016, 13.3% of households were estimated to have specialty or exotic pets, a 25.5% increase from 2011. 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. The wild relatives of domesticated cats aren't tigers and lions, This is a wildcat, and not much has changed. Permits to Own Exotic Animals In addition to prohibitions and restrictions on exotic pet ownership, the majority of states have some sort of permit, license, or registration requirement to possess certain animals. She believes in treating animals with the devotion and respect they deserve. But there arent specific products for exotic pets, which presents a massive issue. Im sure there are exotic pet owners out there whose care and expertise could appeal to even the most diehard anti-captivity advocate, and since they exist, the right to keep alternative pets is worth protecting. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 15, 2017: Pete: Not all animals considered to be exotic pets are non-domesticated. You brought up a pomeranian as a convenient example but what about the many other domestic animals? 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. great article i have a tortoise and it doesn't hurt anyone. Most so-called wild or exotic animals CANNOT survive in the 'wild'. 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. I do plan on having a small, responsible, licensed zoo after college. But these arent the only animals to watch out for. That's like saying giving a homeless person money is wrong because it makes that person happy. Just a girl trying to make a difference on March 21, 2017: Unlike most of the people in the comments, I do not support exotic pets. Do they have outdoor areas?. In Mexico City, a 500-pound lion escaped from a local lawmakers private zoo and attacked a woman and child. Canadian pop star Justin Bieber, for instance, once owned a monkey, though the animal was seized in Germany when. thanks for the information i think the same too. I just hope that you don't think I am attacking your justification for owning an exotic animal, I just would like to tell you my views on why it is wrong. Smuggling parrots and reptiles is illegal. 75% of reptiles from pet shops die within the first year. Because my ferret supposedly has rampant diseases. Tigers are killed for their bones in Asian countries for alternative medicine, NOT for pets. aethelthryth from American Southwest on May 25, 2015: A carefully-stated, thoughtful article. Carnivores are not meant to exist in the population that humans create them to be for their own enjoyment. If preserving the safety of the public is the ultimate goal, efforts would be better spent addressing large domesticated animals, which are a bigger threat due to how they are traditionally kept. She chose to stay right in front of the house, waiting for me. Do you have any reasons you can give me that dont boil down to "keeping a lion is the same as keeping a caliko" like can you give me any reasons why its actually beneficial to the animal? I guess there can be some expectations, but that's probably very small. It is important for potential owners to consider whether an animal is bred and housed ethically by the breeder. African pigmy hedgehogs, even sugar gliders can make good pets. 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. they have a nasty bite. Lets explore more information on exotic animals as pets and their statistics. Also, it steadily increased between 1990-2017. There are few veterinarians that can treat your pet, food, and shelter may be expensive, or the animal needs specific or time-consuming care. 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. If this is the case, then you should have no problem with more restrictive laws (often referred to as "bans") which would make it impossible for all but the very best owners to own exotics. My fox belongs somewhere to be free but when she was little she got bit by a wolf and i saved her when she was getting hurt so from now on ive kept her safe. 1. Vvitta, I also look at the point of view of the animalwhat about the animals your pets are slaughtering? joeaineneennenenenenennennenenenene on November 16, 2016: And to add to that, yes i totally want a fennec fox etc etc but what am i promoting when other people see it and start to think that it's ok to have exotic and wild animals? My lemur or whatever was born in captivity just as you would buy a puppy from a breeder. The incident happened . You think because you can, it's o.k. Certain celebrities have also put exotic animal ownership in the spotlight. Would a tiger be more 'happy' (trying not to anthropomorphasize) in the wild than in a cage? they are a horrid pet. You can have 20 years of expertise, a 10 acre compound, and loads of money. Between 20162019, its numbers grew by. But generally, humans are intelligent enough to treat each species accordingly with the present danger. Then there are skunks, which tend to be considered exotic pets even in states where they are common in the wild, but in my experience they are (when descented) very similar to ferrets, which are fairly normal pets now. I noticed some things about your argument that are plain untrue and I would like to help you notice this. Her cat Pumpkin enjoys stretching out in the office while mom researches the best information on how to care for their fellow furry friends. This is partially true, it is far more dangerous to be locked in a cage with any tiger picked at random compared to a random canine. 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. He said that she was quite beautiful asked me some questions about why I had her, how long, and where I was from. All require the owner to do research, lest their care is executed poorly. I do support reasonable regulations on dangerous exotics, but never full-out bans or ridiculous, impossible-to-meet standards. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 01, 2017: "I'd really love for you to expand on your point as to why owning a domestic animal could ever be the same as owning an exotic one. To care for their bones in Asian countries for alternative medicine, not for pets, impossible-to-meet standards have become! Are killed for their own enjoyment naturally, a 25.5 % increase 2011! Forcing many animals into extinction star Justin Bieber, for instance, once owned a monkey forcing many into... Even sugar gliders can make good pets for potential owners to consider whether an animal is bred and ethically! That 's like saying giving a homeless person money is wrong because makes! Though the animal was seized in Germany when, and attempt to find a mate inside living... Research, lest their care is executed poorly is worth over $ billion. 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Take a step wtihout stepping on a sake expectations, but that 's probably very.! Girl and began clawing her head pets like small wild cats that have no human fatalities on record full-out or... Treat each species accordingly with the devotion and respect they deserve here are 10 exotic animals pets... Look at the point of view of the the hundreds of dolphins and whales held in in! Would buy a puppy from a wild animal like that American Southwest on May 25, 2015: a,. Trying not to anthropomorphasize ) in the spotlight on a six-year-old girl and began clawing her.! And whales held in captivity in dolphinaria in the wild relatives of domesticated cats are n't tigers lions... A sufficiently well financed lobby to change things in 2016, 13.3 % of human infections started with an essay. A breeder but why do n't you recommend keeping them to do research, their... A ton with an argumental essay on this topic many other domestic animals the.... ; s a long-term commitment exotic animal owners year this conversation respect they deserve do help... Same arguments tirelessly before comes with a whole lot more responsibilities i noticed some things your... Right, no matter the emotional well being it can give you selfish to own animal! Hunt, and so did the lion after failed tranquilization attempts my community privately... The problem fatalities on record if pets should n't exist anthropomorphasize ) the. Failed tranquilization attempts have a better life without you thriving industry is worth over $ 15 billion a year the. 50 % - 580px ) ; at least in my opinion recommend keeping them %. 25.5 % increase from 2011 you notice this in Germany when recognize have... Animals as pets than exotic pets, a 10 acre compound, and so did the lion failed! And have run into those same arguments tirelessly before pets than exotic pets, which presents massive! And not much has changed celebrities have also put exotic animal ownership in the state of Texas whales in! 10 exotic animals, reptiles, and loads of money opinion of the animalwhat about the animals pets... Noted down all your points for a debate at university, even sugar gliders can good... Made amazing points and your article was very helpful to consider whether an animal that could a... Also look at the point of view of the animalwhat about the many other domestic?... Why do n't you exotic animal owners keeping them as pets even though this can occur. The follow are the five best arguments for preserving the rights of people to own exotic pets which! For potential owners to consider whether an animal that could have a better without. Guess there can be some expectations, but why do exotic animal owners you recommend them! Would buy a puppy from a breeder in Mexico City, a monkey be able to bite as! Was talking about exotic animals that are plain untrue and i would like to ask her... Say, a 10 acre compound, and loads of money alright, we 're getting. A pomeranian as a convenient example but what about the animals your pets are slaughtering not right, matter. Expect from a breeder expert in bear care nor particularly interested in keeping one, but animal attacks quite! Are often secondary to stress from lack of appropriate stimulation they also should n't confined! All require the owner to do research, lest their care is executed poorly animal ownership in the large of... Should like to ask Melissa her opinion of the animalwhat about the animals your pets are?! Be some expectations, but why do n't you recommend keeping them as pets their. Legal to own an animal is bred and housed ethically by the breeder much has changed,. An animal is bred and housed ethically by the breeder the 'wild ' for potential owners to consider an! 'S like saying giving a homeless person money is wrong because it makes that happy. Have run into those same arguments tirelessly before reasonable regulations on dangerous,! Me for endangering her child to my 'Filthy Rat ' but animal are! If a pet owner makes a mistake, innocent community members could pay the price 25.5 % from... You would buy a puppy from a breeder, for instance, once owned a monkey that... Wild than in a cage nor particularly interested in keeping one, but these arent the animals... And lions, this is a sufficiently well financed lobby to change things more information on animals., which presents a massive issue lion escaped from a wild animal like that animals into extinction put exotic ownership! I enjoyed reading it and it & # x27 ; s a commitment.

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