Personally I am on the fence also with the ownership of exotics. I really don't think that just anyone should own big primates, bears or big cats. If someone owned 100's of acres of land and can provide top quality habitats and care to rival the best zoos. If they have the resources to take care of them the way they should be, then by all means get the training and certifications that should be required. Then renew the licenses and training annually and take care of these majestic beasts the way they deserve.
Now I don't think that all exotics should be listed in the same category. There should be regulations that every one should follow. If you own hots then you should be certified to do so. You should be responsible. Your animals should be microchiped. You should have antivenom for anything you own sitting at your nearest emergency center. If you own giant snakes such as Anacondas, Retics or Burms you should have to be registered and your animals chiped so that if said animals end up in the wild that person can be held liable.
We should be regulated to an extent. It would keep the idiots that want to end "exotic" pet ownership away. If we were regulated and done properly then they would have no grounds to stand on.
Just my 2 cents. Not every one should own what ever they so choose. Stupid is as stupid does.
Reply With Quote