Exotic Pet Ownership Should Be Banned in the United States

The article claims that some sort of registry needs to be established. For instance, an abuser could ignore their restrictions after jail time, go to another state, and easily obtain more animals, since shelters have no notice of their past abuse. Also, abusing animals can be linked to many other crimes, such as crimes involving violence, drugs, and property, domestic violence, sex offenses, or even murder. For example, they discussed how after an investigation, serial killer, Jeffrey Dahmer, was found guilty of abusing animals, which led up to his vicious acts against humans.

Owning exotic animals is both cruel to the animal its self and dangerous to those who care for the animals. Keeping exotic animals as pets is cruel. In the article Do You Really Want a Baby Tiger? by Mia Lewis the author states “The end result is that far too many of these exotic animals spend almost their entire lives in the ‘prison’ of a small cage.” Obviously, exotic animals are meant to be in environments that promote their natural behavior; forcing these animals to be locked up in a small pen

Based on the success of the drastic changes the state of Ohio has made in the exotic animal ownership regulations, their platform for change is one to model. Ohio was once a state with no restrictions on exotic animal ownership prior to the 2011 incidence of Terry Thompson, who set free his exotic animal farm of fifty plus animals before committing suicide. This incident pushed the already in question exotic pet ownership regulations into national limelight. Our task force has researched the current restrictions and the process of implementing them along with the undesirable potential side effects of these new laws. With this information, we were prepared to present a solid foundation for the state of Missouri to create a new movement in the exotic pet

Responsible private ownership of exotic animals should be legal if they are well taken care of. Not to mention, “Terry Thompson did not represent the typical responsible owner. He had a criminal record and animal abuse charges. Equally important, dangers from exotic animals are low. Let People Own Exotic Animals says, “On average in the United States, only 3.25 people per year are killed by captive big cats, snakes, elephants and bears.”

Owning an exotic pet can go wrong in a lot of ways and it can seriously harm the animal you are keeping, other animals, and people; including the animal's owner. If someone would want to try to keep one of these animals they would have to put a lot of work, time, and money into it because you have to keep the animal healthy, happy, safe, and you also have to make sure you are keeping everyone else safe including yourself. Still, you could be putting yourself, the animal, and others in danger.

Humans have caused another extinction, one that could possibly take us down in the process, species are exponentially going extinct because of habitat loss, species exportation, and invasive species bullying native species. On the other hand, scientists are trying to safe guard native species, keep animals in captivity whether it be for the animals well-being or for research, and widespread invasion. In this essay I will be comparing and contrasting “What Everglades Pythons and Other Invasive Species are Trying to Tell Us,” by Julia Whitty and “The Sixth Extinction,” by Jeff Corwin.

Planet Earth is the one and only home for humans, and it’s their natural duty to protect it and all of its inhabitants. For many people, the fate of animals is of little importance, especially when there are so many of their own species suffering throughout the world. However, only when one has respect for nature can he or she come to appreciate for his or herself. In the past few decades, some animals have progressively come closer and closer to extinction. When compared to demographics 30 years ago, less than 5% of tiger and rhino populations remain in the wild (Congressional). The main culprits for this abominable crime against nature are avaricious poachers who seek personal gain and profit. Poaching is the illegal killing of

Invasive species are annihilating the population of native species. One example of an invasive species is the python. These creatures are invading Florida and decreasing the population of other species; they may reach New York in 2100. Pythons are extremely elusive, so it’s hard to catch them. Another example of an invasive species are the starling birds; these birds can roost in hordes up to 1 million. Starling birds are lethal because of their droppings which cause diseases. Additionally,

“Those who wish to pet and baby wild animals "love" them. But those who respect their natures and wish to let them live normal lives, love them more,” (Teale). This quote shows that people who keep wild animals as pets do not realize that the native environment provides the wild animals with the necessities they cannot receive as a pet. Permits should not be given to people to own wild and exotic animals as pets because it is inhumane and dangerous.

Many people are attracted to keeping wild animals as pets. They believe the wild animals to be interesting and exciting. At a young age, the animals may seem easier to tame, but the older these animals get, the more aggressive they tend to become. Many problems can develop from keeping a wild animal as a pet. Wild animals have specific needs that have to be met, in order for them to prosper. “Only the most exceptional zoos and wildlife centers provide a living area that somewhat resembles the natural habitat of these animals, but it is virtually impossible to provide sufficient space for larger species”(CFHS). In captivity animals do not lose their wild instincts. They can be extremely unpredictable, and if provoked they can cause severe harm to people. Some wild animals, such as reptiles and hedgehogs can actually carry bacteria called salmonella, which is very easily transmitted to humans. Exotic animals can be very social, and need to have a companion of the same species living with them. If the animal is kept isolated from its kind, then it can suffer psychologically (CFHS). Many wild animals that are kept as pets often get abandoned because the owner was not able to meet of its needs. Others try to

The United States has many laws against owning exotic animals, yet people do it anyway. It’s said to be a multi-billion dollar industry second in line to the distribution of drugs and weapons on the black market. The amount of money in the United States alone made is fifteen billion dollars. With the help of the internet and trade magazines it makes it easier for breeders and dealers to get business. Millions of animals are forced into exotic animal trades because of the government and their laws against it. People wouldn’t act so poorly to the animals if the government allowed some exotic animals to be attained.

While domesticated pets like dogs and cats make good pets many people want to own exotic animals that belong in the wild. These animals range from tigers to pythons, but should not be owned as they need special care most people cannot provide. Not only this, but exotic animals release is harmful for everyone, the exotic animal, humans, and native animals. Lastly, many exotic animals carry diseases that are harmless to them, but fatal to humans. Exotic “pets” are harmful for everyone, not just the pet. This is why people should not be able to own exotic pets.

People should not be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets. In the next few paragraphs, I will explain why I feel this is true.

The question of humanity arises every couple of years, on the topic - should exotic animals be allowed to be kept as pets. Is it humane for the beings who feel pain, give birth, take care of their young like human beings do to be behind bars? According to the National Geographic 66 percent of wild animals are owned privately while the 28 percent of the animals reside in the zoo. Some of the exotic animals can be found as pets rather than in the wild. The estimated number of Tigers kept as pets are between 5,000 and 7,000, which is more than the ones that exist in the wild. Interested buyers can purchase a tiger cheaper than some of the purebred dogs, for the price as shocking as 300 dollars. Though some states in the United States do allow wild animals as pets, it is still illegal in most states or require a license for it. Most of the animals as pets are through illegal routes like underground auctions and smuggling.

"Jenny wants a puppy, but her parents are reluctant to take the plunge. They remind her of the responsibilities that go along with pet ownership, responsibilities that she will have to follow no matter what; it'll grow up from the cute puppy it is now to a gnarly old dog. Jenny says she doesn’t mind and soon Fido is welcomed into the family fold. In no time at all the parents love Fido just as much as Jenny does, and Fido loves them all back. But what if Jenny tried to persuade her parents to buy her a fuzzy lion cub she saw advertised, or a baby chimpanzee? If they had any sense, Jenny's parents would tell her "No way" and stick to their guns." While the idea of owning an exotic animal as a pet can at first seem exciting and daring, it is important to stop and consider the many disadvantages that can come about while owning an exotic animal as a pet. The two articles provided convey why private citizens should not be allowed to keep dangerous (exotic) animals as pets, owning an exotic animal as a pet can put the owner and those around them in danger, there are many responsibilities that come with owning an exotic animal as a pet that allot of people don’t think about before buying one, and privately owning an exotic animal puts the animal's health and wellbeing at risk. If someone were to plan on buying an exotic animal as a pet they should consider the following.