There are around 5 000 7 000 tigers kept as pets in the united states. In a slightly different vein, animal welfare organizations like the HSUS have established groups like the Species Survival Network to promote wildlife protection and educate the public about the dangers of exotic pet ownership. Historically, getting a wild species to keep as a pet, more commonly known as an exotic pet, was a small-scale operation. The consequences of illegal pet trade are truly concerning for a variety of species. While keeping birds in captivity for food has been common throughout history, records show that people in Egypt were keeping birds for more than just food in 4000 BC. Phone: 646-783-2200. Domesticated pets are familiar to us. Due to this, this species is now threatened. The fact is, no matter how well you care for your exotic pet, it is never going to compare to its natural habitat. To get an idea of the scope of the illegal exotic pet trade, consider this: The illegal trade in wildlife is second only to that of drugs in the United States, according to the U.S. Enter your email address to get updates with our latest news, appeals and campaigns worth sharing. Although baby animals might be cute and easy to maintain, they usually grow into dangerous adults with unmanageable needs. However, so far there is little information about what pathogens these imported animals might carry with them. FAQs on non-traditional companion animals. Hundreds of species of snakes, including boa constrictors, anacondas, and other large snakes are shipped into the U.S. every year. Other organisations have estimated a pet primate population of 4-5,000 kept in the UK and 4,825 licensed Dangerous Wild Animals, which is likely to be a significant under-estimate of the actual population. The ecological impact of the exotic pet trade. In the early 1990s the value of legal wildlife products imported globally was around 160 billion. Removing wild animals from their natural habitats -- like the rainforest or African plains -- negatively affects the delicate ecosystems, which, according to the ASPCA, rely on those species to further the life cycle of plants and keep animal populations in check. To fuel the growing market for exotic pets, thousands of animals are taken from the wild and bred in captivity every day, and these animals suffer at every stage of the supply trade. These cold blooded animals fascinate many people, which is why they can always be found in pet stores. (Sept. 8, 2010), http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/issues_facing_wildlife/wildlife_trade/. (Born Free USA) The exotic animal pet trade has become extremely popular in today’s age. According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the exotic pet trade is a multi-billion dollar industry, second only to drugs and weapons on the black market. To fuel the growing market for exotic pets, thousands of animals are taken from the wild and bred in captivity every day, and these animals suffer at every stage of the supply trade. The World's #1 Nonfiction Media Company. According to the ASPCA, these laws vary greatly from state to state and can range from total bans to simply requiring a permit. The European Union and in particular Germany have a central role as a hub and destination for exotic pets from all over the world. The trade in exotic animals is a multi billion dollar a year industry. For example, just the illegal wildlife business including both dead and live animals is estimated to be between $10 - 20 billion a year. A grey parrot being used a pet. Unfortunately, many consumers remain unaware of the origins of exotic pets, how the exotic pet trade affects wild populations, and how to care for exotic pets. At least 70 ‘zoonotic’ pet-related infections and infestations are known. (Sept. 7, 2010), http://www.bornfreeusa.org/a3b_exotic_pets.php, - Ebrahim, Margaret; Solomon, John. Even more staggering is the level of suffering wild animals kept as pets endure. Up to 66% of grey parrots illegally caught for the exotic pet trade die in transport. "Exotic Pet Trade Booming in U.S." Associated Press. World Animal Protection is a U.S. registered charity EIN #04-2718182 Because these pets are domesticated, with the right care and conditions, some are able to live with humans in captivity without suffering. (Sept. 7, 2010), http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/issues_facing_wildlife/should_wild_animals_be_kept_as_pets/the_whims_and_dangers_of_the_exotic_pets_market.html, - Humane Society of the United States. From 1980 to1990 there was an explosion in the popularity of reptiles as pets and in their trade in the West. 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