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Animal Protection Institute: Print Version: http://www.api4animals.org/doc.asp?ID=308&print=y
"The Dangers of Keeping Exotic "Pets"
Exotic animals -- lions, tigers, wolves, bears, reptiles, non-human primates -- belong in their natural
habitat and not in the hands of private individuals as "pets." By their very nature, these animals are wild and
potentially dangerous and, as such, do not adjust well to a captive environment.
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The same could be said
for zoos and research facilities. "Exotic
animals belong in their natural habitat."
" These animals..............do
not adjust well to a captive environment,..."
Why limit the restrictions to just private individuals. Many individuals
keep their animals in better, healthier conditions than some zoos and
certainly much better than most research facilities.
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Because the majority of states do not keep accurate records of exotic animals entering their state, it is
impossible to determine exactly how many exotic animals are privately held as pets. The number is
estimated to be quite high. Certainly 6,000 to 7,000 tigers are held by private individuals.
The American Veterinary Medical Association, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have all expressed opposition to the possession of certain
exotic animals by individuals.
Exotic animals do not make good companions. They require special care, housing, diet, and maintenance that
the average person cannot provide. When in the hands of private individuals the animals suffer due to poor
care. They also pose safety and health risks to their possessors and any person coming into contact with
them.
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The above paragraph is a blatant
over-generalization. "When in the hands of private individuals the animals suffer due to poor care."
As in all circumstances, there are responsible
people and irresponsible people. It is unfair to condemn all individuals
due to the actions of a few, comparatively speaking. Where are the documented
numbers of "bad" situations versus "suitable"
situations?
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Individuals possessing exotic animals often attempt to change the nature of the animal rather than the nature
of the care provided. Such tactics include confinement in small barren enclosures, chaining, beating "into
submission," or even painful mutilations, such as declawing and tooth removal.
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Individuals possessing domestic
pet animals often attempt to change the nature of the
animal rather than the nature of the care provided. Such tactics include
confinement in small barren enclosures, chaining, beating "into
submission," and even painful mutilations, such as declawing and
tooth removal.
The same mutilations are done to domestic cats. How many cats are declawed
just to prevent them from damaging furniture, much less scratching a
person! Dogs are found confined in small barren enclosures,
chaining and beaten "into submission."
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If and when the individual realizes he/she can no longer care for an exotic pet, he/she usually turns to zoos
and other institutions such as sanctuaries to relieve him/her of the responsibility. However, all the zoos and
accredited institutions could not possibly accommodate the number of unwanted exotic animals. Consequently,
the majority of these animals are euthanized, abandoned, or doomed to live in deplorable conditions.
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The same can be said for
domestic pets:
Humane societies are overflowing
with unwanted domestic pet animals. These shelters can't accommodate the
large numbers of unwanted domestic "pets."
http://www.hsus.org/programs/companion/overpopulation/op_faq.html
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Number of cats and dogs entering
shelters each year: 8-10 million (HSUS estimate)
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Number of cats and dogs
euthanized by shelters each year: 4-5 million (HSUS estimate)
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Number of cats and dogs adopted
from shelters each year: 3-5 million (HSUS estimate)
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Number of cats and dogs
reclaimed by owners from shelters each year: Between 600 and 750
thousand—15% of animals entering shelters (HSUS estimate)
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Number of animal shelters in the
United States: Between 4 and 6 thousand (HSUS estimate)
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Percentage of dogs in shelters
who are purebred: 25 percent (HSUS estimate)
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The Exotic Animal Pet Trade
Every year, a variety of sources provides millions of animals to the exotic pet trade. Animals are captured from
their native habitat and transported to various countries to be sold as pets. Others are surplus animals from
zoos or their offspring. Backyard breeders also supply exotic animals.
It is absurdly easy to obtain an exotic pet. More than 1000 Internet sites offer to sell, give care advice, and
provide chat rooms where buyers and sellers can haggle over a price. Helping to facilitate the exotic pet trade
is the Animal Finders' Guide, which carries ads from dealers, private parties, breeders, ranchers, and zoos
offering large cats, monkeys, and other exotic animals for sale.
The sellers of these animals, however, make no mention of the state or local laws regulating private possession
of exotics, or of the dangers, difficulties, physical and physiological needs of the animals they peddle. The
suffering of the animals in the hands of unqualified and hapless buyers appears to be of no concern in the
lucrative exotic pet trade.
Public Safety Risk
Exotic animals are inherently dangerous to the individuals who possess them, to their neighbors, and to the
community at large. Across the country, many incidents have been reported where exotic animals held in
private hands attacked humans and other animals, and escaped from their enclosure and freely roamed the
community. Children and adults have been mauled by tigers, bitten by monkeys, and
asphyxiated by snakes. (and domestic dogs, cats,
farm animals and even barnyard roosters)
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&Dopt=r&uid=7064943
Dog bites. A neglected problem in accident prevention.
Lauer EA, White WC, Lauer BA.
Dog bites are a common but neglected pediatric problem. To clarify the epidemiology of dog bites and to learn if parents would welcome counseling aimed at preventing bites, 455 families (960 children) in a Denver pediatric practice were surveyed. One hundred ninety-four children (20.2%) had been bitten at least once, with the majority of bites occurring before the child was aged 5 years. Forty-three percent of the bites prompted a visit to a physician and 16.5% received sutures. German shepherds were responsible for 17% of the incidents, more than expected relative to their popularity as pets. The dogs usually were owned by a neighbor (40.2%) or the victim's family (31%).
Approximately half of the bites were believed to be unprovoked. Seventy-seven percent of the parents believed that dog bite prevention warranted discussion with their physician. Dog bites are an important pediatric problem, and parents should be counseled accordingly during well-child visits.
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By their very nature, exotic animals are dangerous. Although most exotic animals are territorial
(many domestic animals are also territorial,
consider mother dogs and bulls, for example) and require group interactions, an exotic pet typically is isolated and spends the majority of his/her day in a small
enclosure unable to roam and express natural behaviors freely
(the same applies to many domestic animals). These animals are time bombs waiting to
explode.
Monkeys are the most common non-human primates held by private individuals. At the age of two, monkeys
begin to exhibit unpredictable behavior. Males tend to become aggressive, and both males and females bite to
defend themselves and to establish dominance. Reported have been many monkey bites that resulted in serious
injury to the individual who possessed the animal, to a neighbor, or to a stranger on the street. According to
the CDC, 52 people reported being bitten by macaque monkeys between 1990 to 1997. CDC reported,
however, that "owners of pet macaques are often reluctant to report bite injuries from their pets, even to their
medical care providers" for fear that their animal will be confiscated and possibly killed.
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&Dopt=r&uid=3923540
Unreported dog bites in children.
Beck AM, Jones BA.
In 1981, more than 3,200 Pennsylvania children, ages 4 to 18 years, were
surveyed about their dog bite histories and attitudes toward animals. Dog
bites were much more common than previously reported: 45 percent of
children had been bitten during their lifetimes, and 15.5 percent had been
bitten in 1980, more than 36 times the rate reported to health
authorities. In 1980, the highest bite rate occurred among children 7-12
years old (20 percent). Children were bitten more frequently by the
dogs owned by their neighbors, followed by their own dogs, than by strays
or by dogs whose owners were not known. Boys were bitten twice as
frequently as girls by neighbors' dogs and strays; the bite rates from
family dogs were identical in boys and girls. Despite the high bite rates,
being bitten was not significantly associated, in most groups of children
studied, with a dislike of dogs. These positive attitudes toward dogs may
lead to inadequate precautions against bites and to biases in the
reporting of bites to health authorities.
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Non-domesticated felines, such as lion, tigers, leopards, and cougars, are commonly held as pets. These
exotic animals are cute and cuddly when they are young but have the potential to kill or seriously injure people
and other animals as they grow. Even a seemingly friendly and loving animal can attack
unsuspecting individuals. Many large cats have escaped from their cages and terrorized communities. Several of these
incidents have resulted in either serious injury to the persons who came in contact with the animal, or the
death of the animal, or both.
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http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic60.htm
Bites, Animals -
"Background: Since many animal bites are never reported, it is
difficult to determine the exact incidence of animal bite wounds in the
US, let alone the world. An estimated 57 million cats and 54 million dogs
lived in the US in 1991, but substantially more dog bites than cat bites
occurred. These two types of bite wounds account for most animal bite
wounds encountered in the ED.
Pathophysiology: Dog bites typically cause a crushing-type wound
because of their rounded teeth and strong jaws. An adult dog can exert 200
pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure, with some large dogs able to
exert 450 psi. Such extreme pressure may damage deeper structures such as
bones, vessels, tendons, muscle, and nerves.
Cats' very sharp, pointed teeth usually cause puncture wounds and
lacerations that may inoculate bacteria into deep tissues.
Limited literature is available on other animal bites. Monkey bites
have a notorious reputation based largely on anecdotal
reports. Bites from large
herbivores generally have a significant crush element because of the force
involved.
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Reptiles, including all types of snakes and lizards, pose safety risks to humans as well. Many incidents have
been reported of escapes, strangulations, and bites from pet reptiles across the country. Snakes are the most
common "pet" reptiles -- about 3% of U.S. households possess 7.3 million pet reptiles -- and have the potential
to inflict serious injury through a bite or constriction. According to the University of Florida, more than 7,000
venomous snake bites are reported annually in the United States (it is uncertain how many of these snakes are
pets), 15 of which result in death. Moreover, there have been several reported incidences involving
strangulation by snakes. For example, on August 28, 1999, in Centralia, IL, a 3 year-old-boy was strangled to
death by the family's pet python. The parents were charged with child endangerment and unlawful possession
of a dangerous animal.
Human Health Risk
Exotic animals pose serious health risks to humans. Many exotic animals are carriers of zoonotic diseases, such
as Herpes B, Monkey Pox, and Salmonellosis, all of which are communicable to humans.
(As are domestic animals...... see Zoonotic
Diseases.)
Herpes B-virus: 80 to 90 percent of all macaque monkeys are infected with Herpes B-virus or Simian B, a
virus that is harmless to monkeys but often fatal in humans. Monkeys shed the virus intermittently in saliva or
genital secretions, which generally occurs when the monkey is ill, under stress, or during breeding season. At
any given time, about 2% of infected macaque monkeys are shedding the virus. A person who is bitten,
scratched, sneezed or spit on while shedding occurs runs the risk of contracting the disease. Monkeys rarely
show any signs or symptoms of shedding, making it nearly impossible to know when one is at risk.
Since 1992, there have been only 24 clearly documented cases of human infection of the virus; 19 of those
infected died. According to the CDC, the reason for "such an apparently low rate of transmission may include
infrequent B virus shedding by macaques, cross-reactive immunity against B virus stimulated by herpes simplex
virus infection, and undetected asymptomatic infection." However, the frequency of Herpes B infection in
humans has never been adequately studied and thus it is difficult to quantify how many people are actually
infected with the virus. Persons who possess or work with infected monkeys are presumed to be in constant
peril of potentially contracting the virus.
Bites from non-human primates can cause severe lacerations. Wounds may become infected, with the potential
to reach the bone and cause permanent deformity. The frequency of bites remains a mystery. Although it is
widely acknowledged that non-human primate bites are some of the worst animal bites, little research
regarding them exists.
Monkeys have also been known to transmit the Ebola virus, monkey pox, and other deadly illnesses.
Salmonellosis: Probably 90% of all reptiles carry and shed salmonella in their feces. Iguanas, snakes, lizards,
and turtles are common carriers of the bacterium. Reptiles that carry salmonella do not show any symptoms,
thus there is no simple way to tell which reptiles play host to the microbe and which do not, because even
those that have it do not constantly shed the bacterium.
Salmonellosis associated with exotic pets has been described as one of the most important public health
diseases affecting more people and animals than any other single disease. The CDC estimates that
93,000 salmonella cases caused by exposure to reptiles are reported each year in the United States.
Salmonella infection is caused when individuals eat after failing to wash their hands properly after
handling a reptile or objects the reptile contaminated (this can be either indirect or direct contact with infected reptiles).
Salmonella bacteria do not make the animal sick, but in people can cause serious cases of severe diarrhea
(with or without blood), headache, malaise, nausea, fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and even death --
especially in young children, the elderly, and those with immune-compromised systems. In addition, salmonella
infection can result in sepsis and meningitis (particularly in children) as well as invade the intestinal mucosa
and enter the bloodstream causing septicemia and death.
In March 1999, the CDC contacted every state health department to determine whether state
regulations existed for sale of reptiles and distribution of information about contracting salmonella from reptiles. Forty-eight
states responded -- 3 (CA, CT, MI) had regulations requiring pet stores to provide information about salmonella
to persons purchasing a turtle. Two states (KS, MD) require salmonella information to be provided to persons
purchasing any reptile, and 3 states (AZ, MN, WY) prohibit reptiles in day care centers and long-term-care
facilities.
During 1996-1998, 16 different state health departments reported to the CDC salmonella infections in persons
who had direct or indirect contact with pet reptiles, and in 1994-1995, 13 different state health departments
reported salmonella infections. The CDC recommends that children, people with
compromised immune systems, and the elderly should avoid all contact with reptiles and not possess them as pets.
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&Dopt=r&uid=9041295
Iguanas and Salmonella marina infection in children:
a reflection of the increasing incidence of reptile-associated
salmonellosis in the United States.
Mermin J, Hoar B, Angulo FJ.
Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Disease, National Center for Infectious
Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
30333, USA.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical aspects and risk factors for Salmonella
serotype Marina infection in the United States. METHODS: We identified all
isolates of S Marina reported in 1994 to the National Salmonella
Surveillance System. Patients were interviewed about demographic
information, clinical course, diet, travel history, and contact with
reptiles before illness. RESULTS: Twenty-six (81%) of 32 patients were
infants (<1 year of age) and 24 (75%) were male. This differs from
other Salmonella isolates reported to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention in 1994, of which 14% were from infants and 49% from male
patients. Eleven patients (34%) were hospitalized for a median of 3.5 days
(range: 2 to 21 days), and 1 died. Of 28 patients (88%) with reported
iguana exposure, only 4 (14%) touched the reptile, and only 12 respondents
(43%) realized that it might have been the source of infection. Seven
(32%) of 22 families who owned an iguana at the time of illness continued
to own an iguana when contacted a median of 28 weeks later. Persons who
thought that the iguana was the source of infection were more likely to
have given away or sold the pet than those who did not. Four isolates
(13%) were from blood. Bacteremia was associated with taking antibiotics
during the 30 days before S Marina infection (odds ratio: 24; 95%
confidence interval: 1.2-1309). CONCLUSION: S Marina infection is a
potentially serious illness associated with iguana exposure, and it
reflects the larger problem of reptile-associated salmonellosis. Many
parents do not know that owning an iguana puts their children at risk for
Salmonella infection. Pediatricians, veterinarians, and pet store
owners should inform their patients and customers of the potential risks
of owning reptiles and provide appropriate preventive education.
NOTE: EDUCATION NOT PROHIBITION
is suggested.
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Laws Governing Private Possession of Exotic Animals
The sale and possession of exotic animals is regulated by a patchwork of federal, state and local laws that
generally vary by community and by animal. Individuals possessing exotic animals must be in compliance with all
federal laws as well as any state, city, and county laws.
Federal Laws: Three federal laws regulate exotic animals -- the Endangered Species Act, the Public Health
Service Act, and the Lacey Act. However, these laws primarily regulate the importation of exotic animals into
the United States and not private possession.
Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) it is illegal to possess, sell, or buy an endangered species regardless
to whether it's over the Internet or not. The ESA does not regulate private possession, it merely allows the
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) to prosecute individuals who illegally possess endangered species. It
should be noted that "generic" tigers (subspecies that have been interbred) are not considered endangered
and, as such, can be legally bred and possessed.
The Public Health Services Act prohibits the importation of non-human primates and their offspring into the
United States after October 1975 for any use other than scientific, educational or exhibition purposes.
However, unless it can be proved that the non-human primate in question or his/her ancestors entered the
country after October 1975, the Act is unenforceable. Most individuals are unaware of their animal's heritage
and it is next to impossible to trace the animal's origin.
The Lacey Act allows the U.S. government to prosecute persons in possession of an animal illegally obtained in
a foreign country or another state. Again, this Act does not regulate private possession, it merely allows the
USFWS to prosecute individuals who have illegally obtained exotic animals.
State Laws: The state governments possess the authority to regulate exotic animals privately held. Laws vary
from state to state on the type of regulation imposed and the specific animals regulated. Twelve states (AK,
CA, CO, GA, HI, MA, NH, NM, TN, UT, VT, WY) ban private possession of exotic animals (i.e. they prohibit
possession of at least large cats, wolves, bears, non-human primates, and dangerous reptiles); 7 states (CT,
FL, IL, MD, MI, NE, VA) have a partial ban (i.e. they prohibit possession of some exotic animals but not all); 15
states (AZ, DE, IN, ME, MS, MT, NJ, NY, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TX) require a license or permit to possess
exotic animals; and while the remaining states neither prohibit nor require a license, they may require some
information from the possessor (veterinarian certificate, certification that animal was legally acquired, etc.).
Local Laws: Many cities and counties have adopted ordinances that are more stringent than the state law.
Generally, the City or County Council have determined that possession of certain exotic species
poses a serious threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the community as a result of a recent
attack in the area, an escape, or by the virtue of the animals' physical attributes and natural behavior and, as
such, adopts an ordinance regulating or banning private possession.
Some people often sidestep existing laws or bans by becoming licensed breeders or exhibitors under the USDA
and/or by having their property rezoned. In addition, individuals often move out of city limits or to a new state
once a restriction or ban is imposed.
What to Do
You can do several things to help stop private possession of exotic animals:
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For the animals' sake and for your health and safety, please do not buy exotic animals as "pets."
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If you observe an exotic animal being abused, living in deplorable conditions, etc., report it to the
appropriate animal control agency.
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Educate others. Write a Letter to the Editor. Share this fact sheet with friends and family.
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Support legislation at all levels to prohibit private possession of exotic animals .
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Find out how your state, city and county regulates private possession of exotic animals. For more
information, see our website. If your state, city or county does not prohibit private possession, contact
your state senator and representative or your city and county council members and urge them to
introduce legislation banning possession of exotic animals.
What Government Agencies and Public Officials Are Saying
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"The AVMA strongly opposes the keeping of wild carnivore species of animals [and reptiles and
amphibians] as pets and believes that all commercial traffic of these animals for such purpose should be
prohibited." -- The American Veterinary Medical Association
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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. Doing so poses serious risks to family, friends, neighbors, and the
general public. Even an animal that can be friendly and loving can be very dangerous." -- The United
States Department of Agriculture
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"Pet reptiles should be kept out of households where children aged less than 5 years or
immuno-compromised persons live. Families expecting a new child should remove the pet reptile from the
home before the infant arrives." -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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"Buying or giving exotic pets such as monkeys, hedgehogs, prairie dogs, reptiles, or other wildlife
potentially can be dangerous to both humans and the animals themselves." -- Veterinarian Jane Mahlow,
Director of the Texas Department of Health Zoonosis Control Division
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"People buy these [large cats] when they're kittens and don't have the foresight to see in four years
that kitten is going to be 500 pounds, and instead of two bottles it is going to need 30 to 50 pounds of
meat a day. They try to make a pet out of something that will never be a pet." -- Terry Mattive of T & D
Mountain Range Menagerie, a sanctuary for unwanted, abused and exploited jungle cats in Penn Creek,
PA
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"Macaques [monkeys] are aggressive and are known to carry diseases, including herpes B, which can be
fatal to humans ... My opinion is primates make very poor pets." -- Dr. Michael Cranfield, veterinarian at
the Baltimore Zoo and an expert on primates
(Revised 07/25/01)
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