Many indoor cats have behavioral problems, weight gain, and neurosis as a resultwhich is not unlike what occurs with inadequately cared for exotic pets or zoo animals. My point is why contribute to the selfishness? You can't get a license. Why would we condone such a horrendous treating of animals? margin-bottom: 1.5rem; That said, I am an animal rights nut, but also a pragmatist. Many behavioral and physical disorders that are seen in cats are often secondary to stress from lack of appropriate stimulation. You think you're doing the right thing when in reality you're only promoting the problem. Thank you for your time. How many times have you heard of an animal, lets say an exotic cat or monkey, biting someone in the news? 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. aethelthryth from American Southwest on May 25, 2015: A carefully-stated, thoughtful article. For Exotic Animal Owners For Exotic Animal Owners. 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. Now, lets look at whats happening to exotic pets worldwide. Felicia Wilson There's a large following. Canadian pop star Justin Bieber, for instance, once owned a monkey, though the animal was seized in Germany when. Let the authorities handle it and stop thinking all American pet owners need to be punished by having their pets banned due to the actions of criminals. She's also perfectly happy and healthy because we play with her and take care of her PROPERLY. See you around. More than 2.7 million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters annually. An irrefutable fact is the destruction of animal habitat by humankind slowing forcing many animals into extinction. Median home list price: $337,500. The only special permits required are to move llamas, cattle, bison, domestic dog, horses, ferrets, goats, poultry, sheep, and pigs on the state's roads. Slightly confused as to why ferrets are referred to as exotic pets? Unlike traditional pets like cats and dogs, exotic pets belong to species such as rodents, reptiles, or amphibians. Exotic pet statistics show a clear rise in the demand for unusual pets, but what do we truly know about the trade? So me, two other friends, Jezzy and their dog hit the touristy spots. I treat both of them the same and love them both. 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. 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. Find out which "exotic" species also make wonderful household companions. thanks for having this article it helps me for my school presentation. Thanks for the good info provided here. We avoid salmonella at all costs by cooking chicken thoroughly. The blue tilapia are native to Northern and Western Africa, and the Middle East, so they are exotic. 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. Alright, we're not getting anywhere with this conversation. Domesticated animals are overbred and many are invasive species. A rare getaway happened on October 7th, 2020, when a baby red kangaroo escaped from a truck in Monroe, Washington. If nobody wants exotic pets, traders wont catch them. 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. 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. This is because there is no government agency responsible for tracking the ownership and sale of privately owned exotic animals. Exotic pet statistics show reptiles can carry the very same bacteria, and you dont have to eat one to get infected. You think because you can, it's o.k. And Im not one of those people who say Chihuahuas bite more than pit bulls!failing to realize that a pit bull bite is far more severe than a little dogs. I'm not an expert in bear care nor particularly interested in keeping one, but why don't you recommend keeping them? 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. Prospective owners should consider that there could be veterinary expenses in the purchase and the acquisition of any animal, she said. You are saying two wrongs make a right. That is my opinion. Lack of excellence in selflessness leads many people to believe humans are the scum of the Earth, despite no other animal even taking a monk-like lifestyle into consideration. There were 91 incidents of death by exotic pets between 19902021. Its so much more than satisfying human curiosity and human satisfaction, Blue-McLendon said. i don't know if a pet snake will have as much freedom. Also the cats/dog thing is not something worth discussing. I am happy I came across it. Only some dogs, some of which are unethically incapacitated through breeding (bull dogs, pugs) need human help to breed and survive. I never mentioned the pet trade. Yet, the industry grows by the day. You may be so in love with a serval, or a macaw, but wouldn't you rather see these animals happy? It also is important for owners to be realistic about their exotic animal choice and to put the needs of the animal over their desire to have an attractive and unusual pet. Thanks again! Also, 70% of Cheetah cubs die when being taken and usually the mother is killed (other mothers in others species are killed too). "And it's estimated that 80-90% of macaques (even "pet trade" individuals) carry the Herpes B virus, which is fatal to humans.". 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. The Act states that the exemption list is set by regulation, rather than being included in . Because my ferret supposedly has rampant diseases. 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. So here the "bad guy" to a large extent funds and regulates wildlife and supports a manageable and sustainable strategy. The 'only' difference is that tigers are massive animals and even their attempts to play with you can put you in the hospital. Also, it steadily increased between 1990-2017. Because smugglers will keep on going back to the animals to make more money. Your first 2"arguments" don't really support exotic pet ownership - you're just claiming that "normal" pet owners do bad things, too. A lot. This includes big cats, primates, reptiles, amphibians, and rare birds. My ferret chose to stay rather than run away. I try my best to inform those who approach that they are part of the weasel family and related to polecats and minks. Does a captive bred exotic know deep down that this isn't how it is supposed to live or does it not miss what it's never had? Tiger mothers are killed and the baby kidnapped for someone's "pet". This is not really an environmental issue, and despite this fact, the last time anyone has caught this virus from a macaque was in the 90's. There are a lot of animals for sale that should not be kept as pets. 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. And it's estimated that 80-90% of macaques (even "pet trade" individuals) carry the Herpes B virus, which is fatal to humans. If we can guess that there are at least thousands of pet macaques owned, why hasn't even ONE person caught the virus in the last 15 years? Most so-called wild or exotic animals CANNOT survive in the 'wild'. Her cat Pumpkin enjoys stretching out in the office while mom researches the best information on how to care for their fellow furry friends. Review some of the arguments that support private exotic pet ownership. Exotic animals also require specialized care that may differ from the needs of more common pets. 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. 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. For example, 22% of homes in Indonesia own a bird, whereas less than 3% own a cat or dog. Neither are the incidences involving small cats like servals. When we got to California, we entered from a less trafficked road. 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). 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 . 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. with insurance companies paying more than $1 billion in dog-bite claims annually. My lemur or whatever was born in captivity just as you would buy a puppy from a breeder. TikTok is a place where owners of exotic animals including slow loris like this one, as well as marmoset monkeys, servals, and raccoons can show them off to the world. It might surprise you to find out how many of these animals are kept illegally. The NRA and proper hunting license management\enforcement. i named my fox Funtime foxy my favorite fox in FNAF. Privacy | Lets explore the chances of your pet escaping. But these animals still maintain more acceptance as pets than exotic pets like small wild cats that have no human fatalities on record. And in Oregon, an escaped pet lynx was shot after it pounced on a six-year-old girl and began clawing her head. Doesn't it matter that members of the uninvolved public are almost never victims? Not only do domesticated animals hurt people, but they kill too. He went to his car, Jezzy just chilling in his hand. @media only screen and (min-width: 1160px) { The quality of the captive situation varies as does the species being subjected to it. However, back to my first argument; Dogs, cats, and other domesticated creatures have been made used to humans and are dependent on us for food and love. Yes, domestic cats have a huge impact on the environment, but that's not what the argument's about. 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. look it up, over a thousand people hunting snakes didn't even find a hundred snakes. Many exotics are also cared for in relation to their species-specific needs, so some exotics have outdoor access or live exclusively outside. For my senior trip in high school. what about a tiger the size of a house cat, wouldn't that make a great pet? Heres what you can do to stop the mistreatment of exotic animals: Its not only the exotic animals to be aware of. 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. Dogs, for example, have had 30,000 years of certain breeding to domesticate them. Everyone knows cats hunt, but they seem to forget this when they present to me ridiculous anti-exotic pet arguments. Tigers tame rather well, just as well as any cat, or perhaps better. Should a tiger escape and eat 2 school children tomorrow, my point is that these situations are extremely RARE. I just named a slew of exotic animals that are no more disease-ridden than dogs and cats yet when talking about disease, everyone wants to talk about macaques. Site Policies, Veterinary Integrative Biosciences (VIBS), Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology (VTPP), Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), Stevenson Companion Animal Life-Care Center, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH). 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. Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. (Source: Journal of Pediatric Health Care). Just my considered opinion. Unfortunately, many people hold exotic pets illegally and hide the damage they cause to avoid legal prosecution. width: 100%; Exotic pets may also have the advantage of receiving individualized attention, unlike many zoo animals. Exotic pet ownership statistics show that the pet trade imports 70% of them into the country. Where should we draw the line with what is in need of being eliminated to provide an instant resolution to the bad stuff associated with it? I lived in California and that was horrible. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 27, 2015: "How about sports betting? We build large, resource-consuming homes that we dont need on top of the homes of hundreds of other animals. they will eat and kill anything smaller than them. The average exotic pet owner would get their pet from where they already do: from breeders in their country. He said that she was quite beautiful asked me some questions about why I had her, how long, and where I was from. But these arent the only animals to watch out for. 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. 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)? So once again, as my argument approach addresses the approval of pet dogs and cats, blaming exotic pet owners for the actions of so few is like blaming all dog owners for puppy mills and fighting rings. Also, it steadily increased between 19902017. Exotic animals subsist on aspects of their environment that cannot be fully replicated in a domestic setting. Some are simultaneously considered to be domestic as well. 30% is still MILLIONS of cats. 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. I don't have animals because I think I'm saving them. Even if I really, really, really want a Pallas' cat. Invasive populations of mammals originating from the exotic pet trade are very rare and pretty much only exist in Florida. 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. Mas Agung Wilis/NurPhoto via Getty Images. The follow are the five best arguments for preserving the rights of people to own exotic pets privately, in my opinion. What other pets are similar to dogs? Thank you for this article. 6. 5. 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. According to the National Pet Owners Survey, 62 million exotic companion animals resided in U.S. households in 2016, a 25% increase since 2011. Keeping in mind that lack of being more damaging than another type of animal is not by any means meant to be taken as an attempt to make light of the negative environmental impact that some of our pet-keeping decisions are responsible for, the most popular pets in America that are recommended as moral alternatives to exotic pets are indeed the most damaging to the ecosystem. (Did you see the double animal pun?). On December 30th, 2018, a zoo worker in Burlington, North Carolina, was attacked by a lion who escaped its pen. It's true we've damaged their environments, but our goal should be to fix those environments not make them our pets. She believes in treating animals with the devotion and respect they deserve. The only thing that needs to be addressed is whether or not the species fares well in captivity, and I'm certain that there's just as much 'evidence' for most exotic pet species as there are for indoor-only domesticated felines and possibly even dogs, despite their extreme willingness to live with us. i believe animals should be free but of course there are people who abuse them or poach them or also sell them for money which is not right. } 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 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. If the cat doesn't want to live with humans, it doesn't have to - it can always go and live somewhere else. Companion animals | Exotic animals | Formulas/Calculator - Source: 2017-2018 U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook. Why do people tend to overlook this strikingly obvious fact about the nature of all pets? It is an exciting topic which is very useful for exotic pet keepers. I'd like to focus on animals that are already hated or persecuted rather than the camels and zebras that everyone loves, but I'm afraid that, in the ten years it'll take me to get there, nothing will be legal anymore. 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? We rely on readers to support this website. } There are consequences to my actions. The idea that a tiger wants to kill you every chance it gets is just ignorance. Domestication is an arbitrary concept that cannot be strictly defined. But what does this mean for the animals and us? But it was actually a list of counties and cities that ferrets were banned (at the time) with corresponding state. 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. Very educational and Congrats on HOTD Melissa. Voted Up! My personal opinion is that the difference between domestic and exotic animals (referring mostly to mammals here) is that domestics are bred to want and enjoy human company whereas exotics are trained to tolerate it. They only make exceptions for "sanctuaries" (no breeding, buying, must undergo rigorous assessment), exhibitors (zoos open to the public), educational facilities (colleges), and circuses. The so-called domesticated cat is considered by some to not even be domesticated. When I think PS, I want to know; is an animal going to attack me or my child while we're minding our own business, assuming no risk, as countless dogs have done (just as in the recent viral video where a cat "defends" the little boy). i dont ever want to abandon my fox because of poachers, wolves and people who abuse their pets. "Exotic" often refers to a species which is not native or indigenous to the owner's locale, and "pet" is a companion animal living with people. So what! I understand what Melissa is saying however I was talking about the impact exotic animals have on our eco system. #views-exposed-form-tagged-content-person-block-2 .form-item-title input { Nature is tough enough for animals without luxury pets going on killing sprees. 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? 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. i wholesomely thank you for creating this article. The only way to truly stop the trade is to eliminate the demand. 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. It does not take 30,000 years to domesticate animals just because dogs have been around for that long. However, many use the term to include native species as well (e.g., snakes may sometimes be considered exotic as pets even in places where they are found in the wild). Suggestions for future topics may be directed toeditor@cvm.tamu.edu. they have a nasty bite. So if I were to argue against something like exotic animals belong in the wild well I think that I would win. Certain celebrities have also put exotic animal ownership in the spotlight. 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. @media only screen and (max-width: 719px) { 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. And ferrets are probably some of the more popular small animals, so numbers are high. Approximately 90.5 million domesticated animals live in 70% of pet-owning households (2022). margin-right: calc(50% - 580px); Humans consume. Is it ethical to support 10 "good owners" if you're also supporting 50 "bad" ones? But the bites of monkeys can be deadlyespecially in this case from Malaysia in 2019 when the monkey bit through a major artery. 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. Bears, Cougars, Moose, Elk etc. however, i do not agree with keeping exotic pets because of how it could change their species characteristics over time. 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. So why is one opinion acceptable and another is not? That does NOT have to do with any 'wild' characteristics. I saw in another article that you didn't believe that bears could be properly kept by private owners. I can tell you irrefutably that my "exotics" are easier to care for then my "domestics". Call 401-273-0358. Her enthusiasm for writing and research is behind the most reliable information for pet lovers. My mother called me an hour later to say that the cop had called her saying we were fine but what happened. Some people like to claim that keeping exotic pets will save them in the wild but I think thats untrue in most cases, so I apologize for that on their behalf even if they dont agree with me. These animals are not commonly owned, but are popular . . 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. Most exotic pets do not pose a threat to the environment and those that don't have as severe of a footprint as many domesticated pets. have an exotic pet, they are great fun, but remember a lot of them aren't good pets. 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. Within 14 months (2020 to 2021), one in five U.S. families added a dog or cat to their household. 75% of reptiles from pet shops die within the first year. [CDATA[/* >