The term ‘exotic pet’ is not specific and can mean many things. It includes everything from a typical parakeet to a Bengal tiger. These pets are wild and have not been bred by humans for traits like dogs and cats have. The trend of owning exotic pets is increasing, particularly in affluent nations.
There are rules at both international and local levels, such as CITES, which protects endangered species. However, the lack of coordination between these levels makes the illegal exotic pet trade appear legal. Most state regulations mainly address human safety and security.
This article reviews the exotic pet trade from start to finish, looking at the path from forests to cages. It discusses how exotic pets are obtained, whether through breeding or capture, and the situations they endure. The paper concludes with proposals to help reduce the demand for these animals.
Exotic pet trade
Every year, millions of exotic animals are sold globally, often ending up in people’s homes. “Exotic” usually means a wild animal or one that is less common than a typical dog or cat. This growing market is called the exotic pet trade. Some of this trade is allowed by law, but often animals are taken from the wild unlawfully to meet the need for exotic pets. The illegal sale of live animals is a big part of the wildlife trade, a multibillion-dollar global black market. These animal sellers do not discuss the laws regarding exotic pet ownership or the difficulties and needs of the animals. The pain experienced by these animals in the hands of untrained buyers is not a concern for those in the profitable exotic pet trade.
Where do exotic pets come from
Some rare pets are born in captivity. Conservationists often consider captive breeding a way to protect wild animals from being hunted for the pet trade. Many countries permit the export of these animals as long as the right legal documents are obtained.. A large number of animals are taken from the wild before they reach pet stores. After being taken—often against the law—these animals may be used for breeding, sold in local markets, smuggled out of the country, or misrepresented as captive-bred for legal sale. Research indicates that some people are “laundering” animals such as Indian star tortoises from Jordan and red-eyed tree frogs from Nicaragua.
Laws Governing Private Possession of Exotic Animals
The rules for buying and owning exotic animals differ across federal, state, and local laws, which can change based on the community and the type of animal. People who own exotic animals need to follow all federal regulations along with any specific state, city, and county laws.
Federal Laws:
Three federal laws control exotic animals: the Endangered Species Act, the Public Health Service Act, and the Lacey Act. These laws mainly focus on the import of exotic animals.
State Laws:
State governments have the power to control the ownership of exotic animals. The rules differ by state regarding what animals are regulated and how. Some states completely forbid people from owning certain exotic animals, like big cats, wolves, bears, non-human primates, and dangerous reptiles.
Local Laws:
Several cities and counties have created rules that are stricter than state laws. Usually, the local City or County Council has decided that owning certain exotic animals can seriously endanger the health and safety of the community. This decision often follows a recent incident, an escape, or concerns about the animal’s natural behavior and characteristics, leading to new regulations or bans on private ownership.
Efforts to combat the trade
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an agreement made by 183 countries to limit or ban the trade of many animals that are popular as pets. Several countries also have laws against selling or owning specific animals. In the United States, the rules for owning exotic pets change from state to state. Around the world, nonprofits are trying to stop the exotic pet trade by informing people about the dangers of having these animals. Research from World Animal Protection, a U.K. nonprofit, indicates that stressing the risks to humans is a better way to prevent exotic pet ownership than discussing the animals’ needs.
Petting Zoos and Exotic Pets
Petting zoos let kids get close to animals, but this can lead to health risks. There have been outbreaks of diseases like E. coli, salmonella, and Coxiella burnetii linked to these zoos. Between 1990 and 2000, over 25 cases of human infections were reported from animal exhibits. In one incident in Colorado, 65 cases of salmonella, mostly in children, were connected to a wooden barrier around the Komodo dragon exhibit. Salmonella was found in 39 infected individuals, the Komodo dragon, and the barrier. Research confirmed that the initial monkeypox cases in the U.S. were due to contact with prairie dogs that were housed with African rodents from Ghana.
Conclusion:
The ownership of exotic pets can involve significant risks, depending on the species. These animals, being non-domesticated, often keep their wild instincts, even if they are born in captivity. For instance, large parrots like Macaws can inflict serious injuries on their owners, resulting in severed fingers, damaged eyes, and torn lips and ears. Small reptiles, such as turtles, can also spread harmful salmonella bacteria just through contact. Many exotic pets do not live long after arriving in their new homes, even if they survive the journey from the wild or breeding facilities. This can be due to various factors. Many owners do not have the necessary knowledge or resources to recreate a wild animal’s natural habitat in their homes. Furthermore, removing these animals from the wild disrupts their native breeding populations. Exotic animals can also cause problems for local ecosystems if they are released into unfamiliar environments.