12-5-2011 at 2:16 PM

The problem with that, Kovu, is that giving a hyena or wolf appropriate space is incredibly difficult. In the wild, both species are not only extremely social (meaning you'd need more than 1 or even possibly 2-3), but their territory ranges over hundreds of miles in many cases. Providing them with appropriate space and care wouldn't be like caring for a big dog; it would be more like providing for an extra family that wants to escape your "care" and go eat your neighbor's cats. Especially with hyenas, as they're creepy smart and creepy good at puzzles...like fences.<br /> <br /> The second issue is safety, not only to your animals but your neighbors and yourself. If a dog escapes, it isn't likely to go attack the children next door; the same can't be said for hyenas. Likewise, if a person sees a Dalmatian trotting toward them, they're not likely to shoot it, but a wolf (or wolf <i>pack</i>)? Entirely possible that your animal(s) escaping once could cause not only their deaths, but injuries and deaths of people around you and you would have no control over this whatsoever. If you cannot control your "pets," you should not be allowed to have them...even with a permit. They belong in the wild or in proper facilities (most zoos don't even really fit this definition). If you want to see them, volunteer for a rehab center or similar.<br><br>Edit to add: smaller exotics should often be even more highly regulated than large ones because people mistakenly think they're "easy" to keep. This sort of assumption is exactly the reason we have many invasive "pet" fish species killing wildlife in our lakes, rivers, etc. here in the US. People buy "small" exotics, get them home, get bored (or they get BIGGER), and they dump them. No permits required, as of <i>now</i> for at least 3 invasive and incredibly destructive fish species off the top of my head as well as most species of "pet" snakes (many of which are a huge issue in the everglades). Size isn't as important, to me, as ability to survive in the surrounding environment.

12-4-2011 at 9:13 AM

I believe it is fine to own an exotic pet. Why? Well, if you have the proper knowledge, funds, and are capable of providing proper care... WITH a permit, why shouldn't it be allowed? I for one would love to own a hyena or a wolf. Of course before even THINKING about getting one of these pets I will do extensive research, make sure I have a stable income, experts to help me, proper space, etc. I want to provide the best possible care for any animal that I own. -Shrug- If someone told me I couldn't own an exotic pet which I COULD give a proper home I would be a bit angry. <br /> <br /> I do agree that not just anyone should own an exotic pet. They are not for everyone. But responsible owners should be allowed to own one. That is my opinion of course.

08-25-2011 at 7:14 PM

(For all purposes, "you" in the following paragraphs will refer to our imaginary owner of an exotic animal.)<br /> <br /> Personally, I think owning any animal which you can not physically restrain is completely irresponsible, whether it's a tiger or even just a big dog.<br /> <br /> When you own a pet, it's life and well-being are YOUR responsibility, and you can't expect it to "take care of itself" no matter how big it is.<br /> <br /> On that note, you are responsible for that animal's actions, much as you would be for your child's. You are the caregiver and legal guardian of your pet, and therefore if your tiger decides to go and attack someone and you can't physically restrain it, the only one to blame in that situation is yourself.<br /> <br /> As for smaller, more manageable exotic pets, I believe that it is fine to own them as long as you are educated thoroughly on their behavior, habitat and needs and are prepared to give them the care and respect they deserve.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />

08-22-2011 at 1:32 PM

I'm cool with most of it save for large carnivores, such as wolves, big cats, and bears. Simply because inexperienced owners for these animals tend to get in way over their heads and abandon them, and rescues are full enough already. This mostly applies to exotic canines and felines. Also, zebras, from people assuming they have a horse-like temperament or that you can just hop on them and ride them right when you get them. No, that thing is more like an angry, angry wild ass. I've ridden a zebra. It took <i>years</i> to train him, and he only accepted carrying children.<br /> <br /> No. An ocelot is not a house cat, and a wolf is not a dog. You'd be amazed how many people think otherwise. <br /> <br /> Sugar gliders make really amazing little companions, however. Snakes also make good pets, and so do tarantulas, skunks, ferrets, etc. And rabbits!<br /> <br /> It's generally best to avoid large exotics, unless you really know what you're doing, and just avoid those big carnivores unless you operate a good zoo or a breeding for the wild program. You can always see these animals, if you really love them. Go to a zoo or rescue! You can even donate to make their lives better.

08-21-2011 at 6:11 PM

"Snakes need a lot of care."<br /> Sorry to nitpick, but most pet snakes don't. Corn snakes and ball pythons are the most popular pet snakes in the U.S. The average corn snake will need only a 6ftx2ftx2ft space to live its whole life in, water changes every other day, one or two mice per week, a heat pad on one end of the cage in winter/fall and regular poop pick-up. It has no social needs and handling it once per week is considered best, but optional to keep it in peak physical shape and to keep it from associating hands with food. Ball pythons are even less demanding. Our two dogs demand way more than our ball python and corn snake, which appear to be quite content with their lifestyles. (Both are healthily plump, no signs of distress, etc.)<br /> <br /> I think some exotic pets (like "domesticated" snakes with low demands) are simply called "exotic" because they're not totally socially acceptable yet. Others, such as grizzly bears, are exotic for a reason. I believe that as long as a person is capable and knowledgeable enough to care for the higher-demanding exotic pets, they should have the right to do so.

08-21-2011 at 4:18 AM

I feel that most animals should be legal to own, given that the potential owner can prove that they can provide and care for the animal. Laws and licenses would have to be put in place for the well being of both the animal, and the people around it.<br /> <br /> Here's some 'anti exotic' arguments that I've heard from people, and my opinion on them.<br /> <br /> 1. "Exotic pets are dangerous, they have survival instincts which have been bred out of domestic animals. It's only a matter of time before someone looses a limb or their life."<br /> <br /> There are many perfectly legal things people do every day that are just as dangerous. Sometimes society even requires people to put their lives at risk. By choosing to care for an animal that could potentially kill you, or someone else, you accept that risk. Chances of your pet harming someone else should be minimized as much as possible (for example, don't let neighbors swim with your sharks, or take your bear to the dog park.) in the event that someone IS injured by your pet, it should be handled like a car accident, in most cases. Who gets the blame? Were reasonable precautions taken by the owner? Did the owner or the victim act inapropriately?<br /> <br /> 2. "Wild animals could never lead a full life locked away. They will never experience everything they would in the wild. Their lives would be miserable and meaningless, outside of their natural habitat."<br /> <br /> The owner of any pet, domestic or otherwise, needs to make sure that their pet has enough room, stimulation, and socialization to keep them satisfied. most species actually lead better lives in the care of humans. In the wild, animals have to compete for food, territory, and mates, and struggle every day of their lives against everything else in their enviroment, which can include disease, famine, drought, natural disasters, poaching/hunting, injury, habitat loss, invasive species... the list goes on. In captivity, most of these hardships are either blunted or nearly eliminated. Sure, a captive lion may not get to chase antelope, but it also doesn't depend on a sucsessfull catch for its next meal/survival, and a broken leg isn't a death sentence.<br /> <br /> 3. "You can't own this species because it's critically endangered! It should be left in the wild."<br /> <br /> I feel that endangered species should definately have a 'reserve stock' in captivity. most wildlife rescue and conservation operations depend on meager donations, and can't afford to care for enough individuals to keep a species healthy, genetics wise. If the capable and willing were allowed to care for a few individuals of their species of choice, theres that much more of a chance the species won't go completely extinct. their decendents might, some day, return to their natural habitat. (sadly, unlikely, due to human nature regarding the enviroment.)<br /> <br /> These are the only ones I could remember off the top of my head, I'm over tired.

08-9-2011 at 1:24 PM

Being the owner of a ferret, which is considered exotic, I believe that with the right care an animal like a ferret is an amazing pet. I did a lot of research before getting one, and I'm still researching as I go. Ferrets need a lot of care and have specific needs. If one is committed to this, and provides an appropriate home and diet, along with the other essentials such as social interaction, always accessible food and water, specific temperature, I believe a ferret is a great companion. <br /> <br /> but when it comes to larger exotics, I think people should not own them. Wolves, lions, etc. are meant to be in the wild and stay there; not to be locked in a cage in a backyard. We have dogs and cats, we don't need wolves and lions. Only licensed animal rehabilitation sanctuaries should foster animals like this if it is needed, and if the animal can be put back in the wild, it should. There aren't places for wild animals in a domestic life.

08-8-2011 at 10:21 AM

Large 'illegal' animals, as I guess I would call them... Shouldn't be owned by anyone other than certified and trained person(s) such as like you'd find in a Zoo or Refuge setting.<br /> <br /> Foxes are legal in most places, with legal documentation, but these animals bought off fur farms are usually not healthy animals in the mental department. There are places that breed the foxes specifically for the pet business, but I don't really know what they're required by the areas they live in for certain documents, shots, and vet care before sold. So who knows what you're buying? I firmly believe foxes shouldn't be owned as pets, their social structure isn't anything we know or have studied and adapted into a home setting. It's very stressful for these animals to adjust.<br /> <br /> Larger animals, such as Zebra, Lions, Tigers, Wolves, etc... Shouldn't be owned without a solid reason. Like.. They were abandoned, fostered, and couldn't be put back into the wild due to complications and the such. Again, I don't think these animals should be owned by anyone but the experts that dabble in the necessities and the sorts for these animals. With Zebra, these animals are extremely dangerous and extremely social. So unless you own a herd of Zebra, you shouldn't keep a Zebra. The large carnivores should be completely obvious, why the heck do you want to own something that could take your head off with one swipe of their forearm? Exotic animals don't exactly know the definition of 'family' or 'loyalty' in my opinion because they're not domesticated.<br /> <br /> Sugar Gliders need a lot of care.<br /> <br /> Snakes need a lot of care.<br /> <br /> Rabbits need a lot of care, yes we have completely domesticated them but they're still listed as exotic.<br /> <br /> Just about every animal except dogs, cats, and some livestock like milk/meat cows and such are exotic. A lot of these animals we can own.<br /> <br /> I believe the reason some domesticated animals are labeled as exotic is to state 'these animals REALLY are not for everyone'. Yes, you can throw rabbit food at your rabbits and let them eat. But these animals need to have a certain type of diet that isn't always supplied by food created and packed in a bag unlike cats and dogs.<br /> <br /> That is what I think.