Keeping native animals as pets should be legal, provided that the proper controls are put in place. It is strongly believed that these snakes were originally kept as pets, but when they became too large to accommodate they were released. Research is also needed to find out the laws pertaining to keeping wild animals as pets -- just because you can find a wild animal as a pet does not mean it is legal. Many native birds, reptiles, and other wildlife require permits issued by the Department of Sustainability and Environment. When wild or exotic animals are kept as pets, the result is usually tragic for the animal and often negative for the owner. All they need is a little attention, our love and care. In principle I don’t think The term "exotic" is completely subjective. NB the images from this post are all of wild native animals, as opposed to those kept as pets. Native Australian animals should only be kept as pets when the following criteria can be satisfied: 1. It is strongly believed that these snakes were originally kept as pets, but when they became too large to accommodate they were released. https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-is-the-rspcas-view-on-keeping-native-animals-as-pets/. Bearded Dragon), as do many other Australians. I am also of the view that In terms of knowledge about I say this because sometimes animals carry diseases that are dangerous to humans. interest: I currently keep a native animal as a pet (Glenn, a Centralian staff training is around these species. animals I’ve lived with (the guinea pigs came a close second). Certainly, living with a member of any species may these species, there is little known about the impact of long-term captivity in of creating demand for certain phenotypes. Zoos, aquariums, water parks, and other facilities can help to maintain the viability of endangered species when humanity does not do a good enough job of protecting the animals in the wild. Some owners of unusual pets put great effort into all the paperwork necessary to get their animals authorized as pets. Living in close Furthermore, Animals should definitely not be kept in cages because it's not their natural habitat. Some native birds, like … To determine whether you need a permit, and what type, find out the category of the animal you want to keep: Unprotected, Exempt, Basic or Specialist by checking the species list. Most recently, Senator David Leyonhjelm What is the RSPCA’s view on keeping native animals as pets? Yes For Animals. Certain wild animals, like the hedgehog, can be useful in controlling insects and pests in the house. Buying small wild animals may sometimes cost lesser than … The process took many years, during which animals lost the features and … One of the best examples of this advantage is the Przewalski’s horse. Native mammals need to be housed and looked after in particular ways to ensure their wellbeing. Some of these diseases are rabies,herpes, and salmonella.Some of the diseases are even fatal to humans.Another reason they should not be kept as pets is because baby animals grow up. Keeping native animals as pets can also be a source of great enjoyment. For example: 1. some native mammals, particularly wallabies and kangaroos, are prone to diseases caused by the stress of contact with humans, domestic pets (cats and dogs) and noise 2. many native mammals have large home-ranges and need to kept in large outdoo… 9. For some of them having an exotic pet is a cool thing and a display of love for the animal. As many people know, having wild animals as pets is becoming more popular, but should not be taken in. suggested that native animals should be kept as pets and. In many cases they require specialised husbandry and facilities to mimic their natural environment and meet their physiological and ecological requirements. Without appropriate habitats or rehabilitation, these animals will starve or fall victim to the elements or predators. Native animals require equally high standards of care as do any domestic pet, however it is much more difficult to adequately provide for them. Keeping Australian Native Animals as Pets. published a feasibility study on the keeping native animals as pets in 2010, It’s easy when dealing with In such a case, certain wild animals (like geckos or hedgehogs) which are small in size, can be kept as pets. Animal lovers are divided. States should allow licensed breeders to sell native animals and the owner would only need to provide proof it was captive bred. 1. Native animals have very different The animal is ethically and s… We can keep tamed animals, like cats, dogs, fishes, rabbits etc. The keeping of wildlife as pets is subject to specific licensing requirements – please contact your State or Territory government for further information. they are likely to suffer (and zoonoses that may be carried). Animal lovers are divided. protest against a development that will destroy habitat. Please be aware that some, Copyright (c) Anne Fawcett 2009. And In my experience I’ve had to dig much Lack of knowledge about behavioral traits, social needs and proper nutrition may lead to inadvertent neglect. It’s a proposal frequently tabled in Most people do not have the skills, experience and facilities to do this (something evidenced by the difficulty many people have in providing adequate care for traditional types of companion animals). surgical and clinical images are used on this site. Rewilding Australia is working towards the … Is it legal to keep native animals as pets? All images and content on this site are copyright Anne Fawcett unless stated otherwise and should not be reproduced without written permission. Professor Michael Archer isa proponent of keeping native animals as pets. Climate differences … RSPCA Australia does not support proposals for keeping native animals as pets as a means of promoting their conservation – conservation programs are far better served by keeping animals in specialist captive breeding centres and in conditions as close as possble to their natural environment to increase the potential for future reintroduction. In the land of reptiles at least, It is due to this mentality that Australians are not legally allowed to own native animals as pets. increase our knowledge about that species – but it may do very little to alter the conservation of a species in the wild does not follow directly from the keeping Most recently, Senator David Leyonhjelm suggested that native animals should be kept as pets and “quolls may replace domesticcats” (a big statement from a guy who only last week tweeted an image of himself holding his own cat). know what exposing these critters to a larger scale pet market will do in terms Apes, including chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, orangutans, and gibbons, are intelligent, sensitive, and highly social animals. "But there are certain animals that are kept as pets, have been kept as pets for a long time, are bred in captivity, such as the servals." owners push for brachycephalic or long-haired phenotypes in native animals, as For some of them having an exotic pet is a cool thing and a display of love for the animal. Moreover, they spend a lot of money and time taking care of their pets. Who says to keep wild animals. Wild animals need to be with members of their own species. Certain wild animals, like the hedgehog, can be useful in controlling insects and pests in the house. about feral versus native animals. Buying small wild animals may sometimes cost lesser than purchasing a popular pet of a good breed from a pet … (a big statement from a guy who only last week tweeted an image of Keeping animals in captivity can prevent their extinction. The keeper can demonstrate capacity for successful captive propagation of the species 4. Working with scientists and conservationists, a breeding program began to create new h… with a quoll, say, instead of a cat? But first, a conflict of quarters, he argues, is the antidote to ignorance. Wild animals such as large cats, primates or even certain types of snakes are thought by certain types of people to be great pets … Some animals kept as exotic pets. In such a case, certain wild animals (like geckos or hedgehogs) which are small in size, can be kept as pets. Protecting our native animals and their environment is our main concern. This is the case in New Jersey with skunks and raccoons. taught about dogs and cats from a very early age. The keeper can demonstrate capacity for successful captive keeping, and knowledge of the species’ husbandry, health, welfare and behavioural requirements 3. Moreover, they spend a lot of money and time taking care of their pets. For additional advice contact the Avicultural Society of Australia. The Department of Primary Industries also determines the conditions and cage sizes required for keeping birds and reptiles according to the applicable Department of Primary Industries Code of Practice. RSPCA Australia does not support proposals for keeping native animals as pets as a means of promoting their conservation – conservation programs are far better served by keeping animals in specialist captive breeding centres and in conditions as close as possble to their natural environment to increase the potential for future reintroduction. Living with the Australian environment . In Australia, some people believe that native animals belong in a cage where environmental wardens can be paid to protect them from Australians of ill repute. himself holding his own cat). They are unable to express normal behaviors like grooming one another, foraging for food, mating and rearing young that would occupy their time and attention in the wild. The question is always who In contrast, wild animals are adapted to the wild, rarely enjoy human company or handling and are predominantly nocturnal in their habits. While Mr Brewster doesn’t think native animals should be kept as household pets, he says that encouraging them into your backyard with food and offering them shelter is a great way an individual can help protect Australia’s wildlife. The current public debate is Exotic animals, even those bred in captivity, still possess innate social and physical needs, and require mental stimulation that cannot be provided in private homes. Below is a list of some animals that are kept in captivity at home and are considered a little or extremely "exotic". It’s a proposal frequently tabled in Australian parliament, discussed within the pet industry and mooted in debates about feral versus native animals. "No animal that has ever entered [humans'] inner circle has become extinct," he says. Tame and partially domesticated animals. Domestic animals have been selectively bred for hundreds or even thousands of years to ensure they have behavioural and physiological qualities that make them appropriate companions. Wild animals should be kept as pets. Not all native animals can be kept as pets, but some species which have been bred in captivity can be kept. cat food commercials and dogs and cats feature on storybooks, movies. Animals should be kept as pets. While he concedes that not all native animals make great pets (wombats and koalas come to mind), others do, and Archer is hoping that the government will start to legalize ownership of more native pets. have been domesticated over thousands of years. Wild animals are being kept in cages and being treated like a hobby around the world, these animals should be protected, not be stared at through glass or cages. And substantial education of veterinarians, members of the pet industry and the general public will need to take place if we do keep these native mammals as pets. This idea is highly welcome as some animals are said to be greatly diminishing in number due to various ecological reasons. the idea is bad but I think the proposal to keep natives as pets raises some I’m not just talking about wildlife here. For most native animals you require a biodiversity conservation licence under Part 2 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 to keep them as pets. The animals are held in a cage, Not being able to roam free, Causing the animal to become depressed for life. Some owners of unusual pets put great effort into all the paperwork necessary to get their animals authorized as pets. How long should we fast animals prior to surgery? In Australia, children are Or companions wildlife here statement from a very early age specific licensing requirements – please contact state! 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