Exotic "Pets"
In addition to the cruelty inherent in keeping wild animals captive, wild animals kept as "pets" pose safety and health risks to their possessors and any other person coming into contact with them. Across the country, privately-held exotic animals have escaped from their enclosures and freely roamed the community, and have attacked humans and other animals. Children and adults have been mauled by tigers, bitten by monkeys, and asphyxiated by snakes. Further, many exotic animals are carriers of zoonotic diseases such as herpes B, salmonellosis, and rabies, all of which are communicable to — and can be fatal to — humans.
- 10 fast facts about exotic "pets"
- Incidents involving exotic "pets"
- Reported incidents involving primates kept as pets 2004-2009 (Acrobat PDF)
State Laws Governing Private Possession of Exotic Animals
- Summary of State Laws Relating to Private Possession of Exotic Animals
- Color-Coded Map of Laws Governing Private Possession of Exotic Animals
- Ordinances Regulating Private Possession of Exotic Animals
Born Free USA's investigation into the state of wild animals kept as "pets" in the U.S.
For more information contact press@bornfreeusa.org or call 916.447.3085 x205.
