Exotic pets (animals not native to the land) are very difficult to take good care of. Most people don't realize that until they are too late. Then where do they go? The ASPCA and the Human Society get supplies taxed for abandoned exotic pets. Some animal shelters just don't accept the animals because they don't have the resources or expertise to care for them. If the owner has no place to take the animal, chances are, they'll just let it go fend for themselves.
The more extreme pets such as large cats or monkeys are an even larger issue. Those that want to have a leopard for a pet and get it when it's just a baby think that they're able to tame it like a house cat or obedient dog. Once that cat gets big and shows aggression the owner doesn't know how to react. They can decided to take drastic measures such as removing the fangs of the animal or even setting it free.
I don't see any developing research here Ashley. I'm curious to know waht Zookeepers say about this. What about the folks at the Michigan City Zoo--do they have anything to say about it?
ReplyDeleteWow I wasn't aware that this is such a big issue today. That is horrible that these beautiful animals are not being taken care of and are not able to live in the enviorment that they need. Has anything recently been done to change how exotic animals are treated in the United States? Have they talked about trying to get these animals back to where they came from?
ReplyDeleteThis is why people should not just go out and buy a "pet" on a whim. It's important to do the research on said animal before-hand so you know what to expect if and when you decide to adopt it. Are there other places to take these animals than the ASPCA and the Humane Society?
ReplyDeleteI see where you are coming from because one of my friends with a Califorina King snake let it go because it was getting to big for his cage. I didn't know that so many people were doing that though. It seems like that could get very dangerous fast. My uncles in Califorina own a bull constrictor and if they were to ever let it go it could eat babys or dogs its so big. I can see now why this could be such a big deal.
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