Should Exotic Animals Be Kept As Pets?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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“Large wild and exotic cats such as lions, tigers, cougars, and leopards are dangerous animals ... Because of these animals’ potential to kill or severely injure both people and other animals, an untrained person should not keep them as pets . ... Even an animal that can be friendly and loving can be very dangerous.”

Is it cruel to keep exotic animals as pets?

The journey for an animal in the global exotic pet trade is cruel – and often deadly. ... The illegal wildlife trade is the world’s 4th most lucrative crime, after the trafficking of drugs, humans and arms. Shockingly, as many as up to 66% of poached African grey parrots die before starting their life as a pet.

Why you shouldn’t keep wild animals as pets?

You could get sick.

Wild animals can carry diseases dangerous or fatal to humans . Diseases include rabies, distemper, herpes viruses, salmonella, polio, tuberculosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and bubonic plague. Wild animals also harbor parasites, such as intestinal worms and protozoa.

Why you should not be able to own exotic animals?

Zoonotic diseases can spread easily between humans and animals, domestic animals included. According to the Center for Disease Control, exotic pets can pass on and infect humans with a variety of diseases including the Herpes B virus, Rabies, Salmonella, Ebola, and Monkeypox.

Why exotic animals should be kept as pets?

1. Exotic pets are so different from cats and dogs that owning one can be an incredible learning experience. Exotic pets are fascinating . With their unique behaviors and complicated social interactions, both with each other and with us, they really can teach us all sorts of new information.

Is it cruel to keep pets?

The institution of pet-keeping is fundamentally unjust as it involves the manipulation of animals’ bodies, behaviours and emotional lives. For centuries, companion animal’s bodies (particularly dogs, horses and rabbits) have been shaped to suit human fashions and fancies.

How much does it cost to own an exotic animal?

ANIMAL AVERAGE COST Lion $2,000 – $3,500 Tiger $2,000 – $3,500 Leopard $3,000 – $5,000 Elephant $10,000 +

Why exotic pet trade is bad?

How does the exotic pet trade harm the environment? When exotic species are taken from the wild, these species are effectively removed from the native, breeding population. Exotic animals can also wreak havoc on the ecosystem when released by their owners into a continent that is not their own.

What wild animals can you keep as pets in UK?

  • African Pygmy Hedgehog. Hedgehogs are mega cute, and it turns out you can actually own your very own prickly hedgehog friend!
  • Pygmy Goat.
  • Micro Pig.
  • Capybara.
  • Tarantula.
  • Axolotl.
  • Marmoset Monkey.
  • Octopus.

How many exotic animals are kept as pets in the US?

It hails from the rain forest and is sometimes called a “honey bear.”) While cats and dogs are still tops in the world of pets, 19.4 million U.S. households owned exotics in 2013, according to the American Pet Products Association. The term “exotic pet” is loosely defined as anything but cats, dogs, fish or horses.

Is it cruel to keep reptiles as pets?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration warn against keeping “pet” reptiles, because of the high risk of contracting potentially deadly salmonella .

Is it a good idea to tame wild animals?

Domestication Takes Thousands of Years

Wild animals are not domesticated simply by being captive born or hand-raised. ... Wild animals, by nature, are self-sufficient and fare best without our interference . The instinctive behavior of these animals makes them unsuitable as pets.

Do any wild animals make good pets?

Wild animals also do not usually bond with their owners like a domesticated pet does. ... Wild animals require many years and many generations to be domesticated. Keep in mind that the dogs and cats we enjoy as pets were domesticated thousands of years ago.

What is better buying pets or adoption?

When you adopt a pet from an animal shelter, you are giving it a new home and a new life. ... You are also saving its life because many animal shelters euthanize these animals when the shelter floods with animals and there is no space to accommodate them. Also, the cost of adopting a pet is much less than buying them.

Do you think having exotic pets are good?

The most obvious pro of having an exotic pet is that they are unusual and unique . ... Exotic pets are also very interesting to interact with and in some cases they can produce very intense interactions. Another advantage of having exotic pets is that you may be the animal’s last chance for a good home.

What are the disadvantages of having pets?

  • Financial Commitment. Pet ownership is not cheap. ...
  • Time Commitment. Pets take time, even if it’s a pet you won’t socially engage with, such as a fish. ...
  • Pet Planning. Having a pet requires thinking ahead. ...
  • Social Consequences. ...
  • Saying Goodbye.
Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.