Restrict exotic pet keeping, veterinarians say

This video from the USA says about itself:

Exotic Animals Being Kept as Pets

20 Oct 2011

Thousands of dangerous animals are raised illegally in homes across the U.S. For more, click here.

From Wildlife Extra:

The keeping of exotic animals as pets should be restricted say vets

November 2013: The keeping of exotic animals as pets needs to be restricted says the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE), which represents veterinary surgeons from 38 countries, and have called upon the governments of European nations to take action.

Whilst dogs and domestic cats may be the most conventional and numerous companion animals, or ‘pets’, wild animals, such as snakes and lizards, parrots and even meerkats and monkeys, are increasingly in demand across homes in Europe. Wild in nature and often unpredictable, these animals not only require specialised care, but they are potentially dangerous to people, can inflict severe physical injury and transmit harmful diseases.

If abandoned, or if they escape, they can pose a threat to the natural environment. Concerned by the growing demand for exotic animals as pets and the risks to both animals and the public, as well as the increasing demand placed on the veterinary profession to diagnose and treat exotic illnesses, the FVE is advocating the establishment of ‘Animal Lists’ that restrict and in certain cases, prohibit the keeping of some animal species.

Christophe Buhot, President of the FVE says: “Veterinarians in Europe are increasingly concerned about the surge in wild and exotic species being kept in the homes of European citizens. People are buying these animals, often without a thought given to their biology, behaviour or living requirements and, unsurprisingly, some of these animals soon become ill, or even die.

“In addition, some of these animals might even pose a health or safety risk to their keepers. The expectation on veterinary professionals to provide species-specific information and advice accordingly, is high, but, some of these animals are simply not suitable to be kept. In order to avert the suffering of animals, and these very real threats to the welfare of the public, our members are calling for limitations in exotic animal keeping as the most viable solution.”

Vets are dedicated to actively promoting health and welfare for animals and humans and FVE strongly wishes to collaboratively work with all stakeholders and EU Institutions towards those objectives. Belgium and the Netherlands, have already established a ‘positive list’ of mammals, clarifying which animal species are permitted to be kept by private individuals.

Daniel Turner from Born Free, said, “The position taken by European veterinarians today could not be clearer: exotic animals such as monkeys and meerkats, parrots and snakes must be restricted and in some cases, prohibited. Europe is one of the largest international markets for wild animals and annual records indicate that legal imports include approximately 1.5 billion ornamental fish; 10 million live reptiles; millions of captive-bred birds and small mammals (such as prairie dogs and meerkats); and increasing numbers of non-human primates. The establishment of positive species lists, like those used in Belgium and the Netherlands, will not only protect the animals and the public, but further, the sustainability of biodiversity and natural habitats around the world.”

Related articles

• Recent kangaroo chase leaves Midlanders with questions about exotic pets (mrt.com)
• Owner of firm which takes exotic pets into schools fined after animals were found covered with faeces (mirror.co.uk)
• Irish American with over 100 snakes pleads not guilty to selling exotic pets (irishcentral.com)
• Baby Blankets Needed for Primates Who Suffered in Exotic Pet Trade (onegreenplanet.org)
• Who doesn’t want a puppy for Christmas? Ask the puppy first (host.madison.com)
• Pennsyvlania should ban the keeping of exotic animals as pets (readingeagle.com)