Many wild animals carry zoonotic diseases, such as brucellosis, salmonella and ringworm, which can be transmitted to humans or other pets. Keeping exotic animals as pets can be dangerous due to their special care requirements, potential to cause harm, and the risks associated with zoonotic diseases. The trade in exotic animals is also hazardous for humans, as there have been numerous attacks by captive big cats against people in the past decade. The glamorization of exotic pets through pop culture and social media masks the cruelty of the trade and falsely legitimizes it.
Exotic animals don't make good companions as they require special care, housing, diet and maintenance that the average person cannot provide. When in the hands of private individuals, animals suffer due to lack of care. They also pose risks to the safety and health of their owners and anyone who comes into contact with them. Many can bite, scratch and attack an owner, children or guests.
Animal owners can be legally responsible for any harm, injury, or illness caused by the animals they raise. Finding new homes for large, hard-to-manage animals can be difficult, if not impossible, especially since most zoos can't accept them. Many species lead intricate lives with broad social dynamics that cannot be reproduced in a captive environment. Even those raised in captivity have the same genetic traits as their wild counterparts, making them unsuitable for life as pets. The Guide to Finding Exotic Animals helps facilitate the trade in exotic pets, including advertisements from sellers, individuals, breeders, ranchers and zoos offering large cats, monkeys and other exotic animals for sale. People who own exotic animals often try to change the nature of the animal rather than the nature of the care provided.
Under extreme pressure, the call for help from the trapped bird attracts other concerned macaws, who in turn were trapped and stolen from their homes to be sold in the exotic pet trade. Animals destined for the pet trade are removed from their homes in places such as Australia, Africa and Brazil and subjected to strenuous transport. Many exotic animals carry zoonotic diseases, such as herpes B, monkey pox and salmonellosis, all of which are communicable to human beings. As the largest pet store chain in Canada and the only large store still selling reptiles and amphibians, PetSmart contributes to the cruel multi-billion dollar trade that exploits wild animals on an industrial scale. The new World Animal Protection report reveals how intensive farming puts public health and the future of the planet at risk. This is to ensure that none of the wild animals under their care are re-engaged in the exotic pet trade or entertainment. In conclusion, owning exotic animals as pets should not be encouraged due to their special care requirements, potential to cause harm, and risks associated with zoonotic diseases.
The glamorization of exotic pets through pop culture and social media masks cruelty and falsely legitimizes the trade.
