The exotic pets market is growing. That does NOT have to do with any 'wild' characteristics. 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. My point is why contribute to the selfishness? 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. Would a tiger be more 'happy' (trying not to anthropomorphasize) in the wild than in a cage? Interesting topic on exotic pets.The exotic pet owners get attention for themselves and for their pets. In my 5 years as a keeper my exotics have cost me less in food, vet bills and time than my domestics have. The term "exotic pet" encompasses a broad range of animals, loosely meaning any pet that is not a dog, cat, or farm animal. If you can't care for an animal like a cat and give it what it needs like mental stimulation, a raw and bio. I know you might not be able to give your animals up so they can live in the wild because they can't hunt, but I hope your views may change in the future. Whether it is a dog, cat, flamingo, genet, or wallaby, they are all pets that fall under the same ethical quandary. Between 19942012, owning amphibians and reptiles jumped from 2.4 million to. Three weeks later, the . I was so touched and scared Mochie was alive. You make good points, and they appear objective and almost irrefutable from a relativistic point of view. 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. 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. Unfortunately, many people hold exotic pets illegally and hide the damage they cause to avoid legal prosecution. I would certainly enjoy a law that would prohibit peoples attempts to ban my pets and lifestyle, but I know that wouldnt be ethical. Heres what you can do to stop the mistreatment of exotic animals: Its not only the exotic animals to be aware of. Also that their original practical use was to put them inside pipes to hunt/chase out unwanted mice and rats. So why is one opinion acceptable and another is not? My house burned and I was at work. Generally, the first reaction a typical person has is of course! It's "common knowledge" that exotics make terrible pets, and convincing people otherwise is so, so hard. There's no such thing as a wild ferret. Circus animals are notorious for their break frees. We build large, resource-consuming homes that we dont need on top of the homes of hundreds of other animals. More and more veterinarians are willing to see some non-domestic animals, such as pocket pets.. Melissa, I love your articles and am incredibly grateful for what you write. Owners should contact local veterinarians before getting a new exotic pet to ensure that the necessary care is available in their area. About 140 non-native reptiles and amphibians have been introduced to Florida. Many behavioral and physical disorders that are seen in cats are often secondary to stress from lack of appropriate stimulation. It must be comfortable and allowed to meet 'humans' if it wants too and both parties must feel safe. thank you so much Melissa A Smith!!!!!! Oftentimes the breeders even have pedigrees for their animals. .toggle-text { Singapore is one of the largest pet importers. What do you expect from a wild animal like that! I'd love to be a domestic cat; they don't have to worry about anything. I know it is IMPOSSIBLE that you've never seen someone's cat carrying a helpless animal to play with. These issues are resolved the same exact way you would with an 'exotic' animal. 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. Is it ethical to support 10 "good owners" if you're also supporting 50 "bad" ones? Now, you might be thinking whats the harm in owning an exotic pet? they have a nasty bite. I understand what Melissa is saying however I was talking about the impact exotic animals have on our eco system. Guinea pigs, hamsters and numerous farm animals merely tolerate humans, and sometimes barely that. Can you own a monkey or fox in this U.S. state? margin-left: 0; 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. Only some dogs, some of which are unethically incapacitated through breeding (bull dogs, pugs) need human help to breed and survive. 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 is, in my opinion, selfish to own an animal that could have a better life without you. These exotic animals spend their entire lives in water, never coming onto land. Unfortunately, the rising need for exotic animals has led to the massive rise of the black market trade. Neither are the incidences involving small cats like servals. I should like to ask Melissa her opinion of the the hundreds of dolphins and whales held in captivity in dolphinaria in the USA. appropriate diet, perches, maybe a catio or outdoor enclosure, the space it needs, and everything else, find it a loving home. Exotic animals are beautiful and fascinating creatures, but they rarely make great household pets. "Any animal can bite". Median home list price: $449,950. My cats are in the house, outside the house, friends with the neighbours and sleep wherever they want to. but i do realise your points and support your opinions on the matter. Argument 3 is pretty good, but we can't say with certainty that NO exotic pet has EVER harmed the environment. Tambako The Jaguar (CC BY-ND 2.0) Via Flickr. Even if I really, really, really want a Pallas' cat. Visit only ethical and regulated captivity centers. I believe that pets must not be caged and be allowed the freedom of movement. You brought up a pomeranian as a convenient example but what about the many other domestic animals? Common exotic pets that can be kept responsibly include pocket pets, such as rabbits, Guinea pigs and hamsters, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. A pet jaguar in Belize escaped in 2010 and killed the neighbor of the owner. people should be allowed to own wild animals if they take care of them if they are going extinced they should breed them to help. I agree that you should be able to own exotic animals. My ferret chose to stay rather than run away. 200 Westboro Road If you truly love animals, you'd want them to be able to live in a world where they are free to do as they please. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 07, 2014: The difference is that your are proving my point. Keeping any pet is selfish. Is it just the genet? Customers praise its products and how theyve, Coconut oil for dogs has become popular among dog owners who want a more natural and holistic approach, Is leash training your puppy essential? Slightly confused as to why ferrets are referred to as exotic pets? Also, 70% of Cheetah cubs die when being taken and usually the mother is killed (other mothers in others species are killed too). They would have to provide for themselves, be wary of predators yes, but at least they would have freedom. 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. Exotic Animals Are Banned as Pets for Welfare Issues. Basically, whenever any animal of the exotic description harms anyone, the reaction is that all the animals should be banned. Tigers are pretty easy to breed, and therefore anyone can achieve it. It is a big problem, said Blue-McLendon. Survival of many animals will depend on the preservation of habitat for the preservation of wildlife, not whether exotic animals socialized and raised as pets; however, it might well be the answer for the survival of many species. width: auto; I was asleep in the passenger seat with Jezzy curled up in my chest. Maybe I wrote it incorrectly, but I'm only referring to the U.S. as the sample size, and members of the public should have "uninvolved" next to it if I didn't write that. The quality of the captive situation varies as does the species being subjected to it. I have had a leopard gecko and a yellow lab for about 5 years now and they both have the same needs, water, food and space. Alright, we're not getting anywhere with this conversation. I think no one should attempt them unless they have a large enclosure (around at least 2 acres). The idea that a tiger wants to kill you every chance it gets is just ignorance. I am happy I came across it. first of all chihuahuas are toy dogs and bred to be companions. ]]>*/, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University How about sports betting? look it up, over a thousand people hunting snakes didn't even find a hundred snakes. Exotics, for me, provide a link to the natural world that television shows can never reproduce. Some conservationists have actually suggested captive breeding of tigers to offset the shooters. You are saying two wrongs make a right. Just like the decision to purchase any new pet, getting an exotic animal is a major decision and responsibility; therefore, it should be treated as such. Quite apart from malpractices by keeper and inadequate facilities in these concrete tanks the effect of captivity ultimately destroys the mental equilibrium and welfare of these highly intelligent and sentient creatures . Animals help us fill the void, and even if you have the money, time, and knowledge to care for exotic animals, why do it? Would a pomeranian be happier in the wild with no human companionship? For example, 22% of homes in Indonesia own a bird, whereas less than 3% own a cat or dog. In Mexico City, a 500-pound lion escaped from a local lawmakers private zoo and attacked a woman and child. Just my considered opinion. (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. } The Cavalry Group (or "Cavalry") is a boutique public relations and strategic communications firm headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut . Take A Trip On The Wild Side: Ethical Exotic Pet Ownership. Give it up, and let it live a life where it has everything it needs. If someone you know owns an exotic pet, make them aware of the dangers. This is a statement, not an argument. 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 laws regarding exotic pet ownership vary by state. Here are 10 of them dispelled by an actual exotic pet owner. Its so much more than satisfying human curiosity and human satisfaction, Blue-McLendon said. Why would a reputable breeder be responsible for the actions of unscrupulous people who kill their animals to sell to the wildlife parts trade (if that even happened in this country)? Between 19902021, over 1,300 exotic pets have escaped in the US. Prospective owners can try to get references from whoever theyre buying the animals from, and buying locally is always really good, Blue-McLendon said. I hope some education will help you all. In fact, considering their extreme popularity, it can be argued that domesticated animals may be worse off. In fact, it is humans that have invented the concept of selfishness and have set criteria for attempting to avoid the poorly viewed attribute while no other animal has. Exotic pet statistics show a clear rise in the demand for unusual pets, but what do we truly know about the trade? with insurance companies paying more than $1 billion in dog-bite claims annually. If theres no demand, the trade will cease to exist. What such evidence exists that the 'pet trade' involving captive tigers is a significant reason that people go into jungles and shoot wild tigers? Exotic animal bedding and cages cost between 500 and 8,000 dollars on average. Domestication is an arbitrary concept that cannot be strictly defined. So here the "bad guy" to a large extent funds and regulates wildlife and supports a manageable and sustainable strategy. Unlike traditional pets like cats and dogs, exotic pets belong to species such as rodents, reptiles, or amphibians. Pot-bellied pigs, camels, and llamas are some examples. You have to fundamentally alter an exotic animals nature in order to cohabit with it, which is not the case with a domestic, it wants human companionship on a genetic level. I know I am some random person on the internet, and this may all be annoying to read since your views are different, but please understand I care for the animals. Well that would be true, if that was the only thing I wrote. Exotic pet incident statistics show its not just these animals that get out. I think what Melissa was trying to say was that the blue tilapia was not introduced to the ecosystem by the pet trade. You say their's 5 arguments for exotic pet ownership, yet you're only giving me 1 and then you rehash the same point.. We get it!! 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. 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 . Exotic pet ownership statistics show that the pet trade imports 70% of them into the country. Anyway, there was a huge fire. What difference does it make how they are obtained ? The state trooper was older and I'm sure seeing three, barely legal teens, one refusing to let go of the ferret, wasn't what he expected. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 15, 2014: DevilsAdvocate-- I should also point out upon reviewing my words that a lynx is not considered to be a 'big cat' to me or zoologists, so the lynx scenario is also not an example of what I was referring to. I never mentioned the pet trade. Needless to say I have never been to California. Any animal can be kept as long as it is properly cared for, thanks i doing a school essay and this help a lot, that is why this topic is so controversial, Thanks for the information I think the same as you. 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. But generally, humans are intelligent enough to treat each species accordingly with the present danger. It is an exciting topic which is very useful for exotic pet keepers. It's not democratic I know that much. Total treatments between 2003-2012 because: Treatment needed between 2003-2012 because: W58 Bitten or struck by crocodile or alligator, X20 Contact with venomous snakes and lizards, X24 Contact with centipedes and venomous millipedes (tropical), Combined total of reptile/inverts (this includes native animals): 1260. The definition of a wild or exotic animal is one that does not belong to one of seven domesticated species: dogs, cats, horses, pigs, cows, sheep or goats. Well, the truth is that no animal has! Your description reads zoo attender, so I assume you know how miserable a lot of exotic animals are in captivity. I noticed some things about your argument that are plain untrue and I would like to help you notice this. I do support reasonable regulations on dangerous exotics, but never full-out bans or ridiculous, impossible-to-meet standards. She believes in treating animals with the devotion and respect they deserve. This is a statement, not an argument.". .tufts-carousel { 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. VSA provides financial assistance to pet owners for veterinary care. The exotic pet industry is worth $15 billion a year. No one can give you a, Many HempMy Pet reviews recommend this companys CBD oils and treats. It might not sound like a lot, but these are only the officially reported cases. Approximately 90.5 million domesticated animals live in 70% of pet-owning households (2022). Some are simultaneously considered to be domestic as well. So what if some people do say stuff about exotic animals belong in their habitat, well so do regular animals like cats and dogs and even birds. Jezzy passed 3 years later but I still have a photo of her and the trooper. Many domesticated animals can survive just fine in the wild (some dogs, most cats, goldfish, swine, ect. I don't pretend that I am holding some sort of moral high ground by not owning exotics, but I can only go with what I feel is right. In 2005, a lion and tiger owned by a mechanic in Minnesota bolted from their cage and pounced on a 10-year-old boy, leaving him a quadriplegic and on a respirator due to the severe injuries to his spinal cord and brain. Mas Agung Wilis/NurPhoto via Getty Images. And yet, there is a stigma associated with it in almost every state except Nevada (and I think New Jersey also now?). Louisville, KY. 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. Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. I hate the mentality of banning everything that isn't accepted by the general population, and think you do a great job of fighting it. You won't see such a high rate of zoonotic diseases in domestics (for example, domestic felines are only about 30% likely to carry toxoplasmosis, and that isn't even a fatal disease most of the time) . Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 20, 2014: Melissa - thank you so much for what you do. 7 Southern Pig-Tailed Macaque Monkey Photo credit: Hectonichus Monkeys may not sound like the most dangerous animals in the world. I learnt new things here. Find out which "exotic" species also make wonderful household companions. See you around. 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.". THAT is irrefutable. As of 2018, the US has over three million pet birds alone. The escape of 50 exotic animals near Zanesville, Ohio, last month brought into the spotlight the complex issues, as well as dangers, of keeping wild animals as domestic pets. They are ONE animal. Glendale, AZ. You can have 20 years of expertise, a 10 acre compound, and loads of money. If you love your dog, and you can't properly care for it, it's the same logic. It likely impacts humans. I just can't bring myself to accept defeat, however inevitable it seems. But what does this mean for the animals and us? 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. 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). Of course I thought ticket. } Servals aren't typically aggressive, but they can be difficult to own as they are still considered "wild." Tiger mothers are killed and the baby kidnapped for someone's "pet". DevilsAdvocate-- Since the keeping of certain animals like dogs and cats enjoys near universal acceptance by all but the most radical and estranged animal rights followers, my goal is to not discuss the ethics of keeping pets in general, but to challenge the notion that keeping a dog is ethical and keeping an exotic pet is not. 3. Some say that the difference between "wild" pets and domesticated pets is that the former are inherently dangerous. I returns handing me a paper. Jean Mayer Administration Building Selfishness is inherent to every organism. "And your claims that "no pet big cat has escaped and attacked a member of the public" is patently false.". The garden plant trade is also equally damaging. And out of those attacks, only 1 out of 147,717 attacks is likely to be fatal. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! 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. Exotic animal = anything other than a dog, cat, or common farm animal. 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. Dogs are the only animals with true genetic inclination to be around humans, and even some of those breeds are not house pets. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. At least in my community. Here are 10 exotic animals that are legal to own in the state of Texas. (Did you see the double animal pun?). For Exotic Animal Owners For Exotic Animal Owners. Her enthusiasm for writing and research is behind the most reliable information for pet lovers.
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